Dynamic navigation instructions

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are provided for dynamic navigation instructions. In one implementation a navigation instruction can be received in relation to a location, the navigation instruction can be processed with respect to one or more prior navigation operations performed with respect to the location, based on a determination that the navigation instruction deviates from the one or more prior navigation operations, a notification can be generated; and the notification can be provided in relation to the location.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/042,244, filed Aug. 26, 2014, U.S. Patent Application No. 62/047,649, filed Sep. 9, 2014, U.S. Patent Application No. 62/063,152, filed Oct. 13, 2014 and U.S. Patent Application No. 62/066,378, filed Oct. 21, 2014 and is also a continuation-in-part of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2014/052583, filed Aug. 25, 2014, which claims the benefit of: U.S. Patent Application No. 61/869,548, filed Aug. 23, 2013, U.S. Patent Application No. 61/875,100, filed Sep. 8, 2013, U.S. Patent Application No. 61/896,398, filed Oct. 28, 2013, U.S. Patent Application No. 61/949,713, filed Mar. 7, 2014, U.S. Patent Application No. 61/951,478, filed Mar. 11, 2014, and U.S. Patent Application No. 61/973,278, filed Apr. 1, 2014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to the field of mobile device identification, and, in particular, to computer-implemented systems and methods for mobile device context aware determinations.

BACKGROUND

There are approximately 4.6 billion cellular phone subscriptions in the world over which it is estimated that more than 2 trillion text (SMS) messages are sent annually. There are also over 800 million transportation vehicles in the world. The magnitude of these statistics indicates that cellular phone use in vehicles is inevitable and is likely to remain quite common, unless preventative measures are taken.

Drivers using a hand-held cellular phone or smartphone for talking, text messaging, and/or for executing other applications or ‘apps’ while driving has become a problem of near-epidemic proportions. Studies on distracted driving have shown that by talking on a cell phone, a driver increases his/her risk of a crash by a factor of four. Even worse, sending text messages increases a driver's crash risk 23-fold. Additionally, studies have shown that the temptation to use a cellular phone for texting, talking, and other activities while operating a vehicle is not limited to younger drivers—adult drivers have been shown to text more often than younger ones.

In response to this growing concern and danger, numerous regulatory actions have been put in place to attempt to mitigate such phone-based distractions to drivers. For example, in the United States, thirty states have banned drivers of vehicles from texting, and many have subsequently increased the penalties for such violations. Driving-while-texting has also been banned throughout Europe and many other countries around the world. Additionally, talking on a hand-held cellular phone while driving a vehicle has been banned in eight US states, and such cell phone use has been banned in all of Europe and in many other countries.

The effectiveness of these laws alone, without an effective means of enforcement, is questionable. Being that cellular phones are generally small and discreet and drivers are frequently in motion, it is often difficult for law enforcement personnel to effectively police for such violations. Indeed, statistics show that crashes arising from cellular phone-based distractions are increasing as the popularity of such devices increases.

Given the easy accessibility of cell phones to drivers, many drivers' apparent desire to operate their cellular phones while driving, and the difficulties attendant with enforcing laws prohibiting cellular phone use, it is likely that drivers will continue to use cellular phones for texting, talking, and/or other activities (e.g., playing games or running applications), for the foreseeable future.

Moreover, it can be appreciated that the usage of mobile devices in various locations and/or settings can be detrimental on a number of levels. For instance, anecdotal evidence suggests that the proliferation of mobile devices such as smartphones has resulted in an increase of mobile device usage by students during classes/lectures, serving to distract such students from properly absorbing the material being taught. Additionally, many students have become adept at using such devices discreetly, resulting in many instances of cheating being facilitated through the use of mobile devices.

It is with respect to these and other considerations that the disclosure made herein is presented.

SUMMARY

Technologies are presented herein in support of a system and method for dynamic navigation instructions. According to one aspect, a navigation instruction can be received in relation to a location, the navigation instruction can be processed with respect to one or more prior navigation operations performed with respect to the location, based on a determination that the navigation instruction deviates from the one or more prior navigation operations, a notification can be generated; and the notification can be provided in relation to the location.

These and other aspects, features, and advantages can be appreciated from the accompanying description of certain embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a high-level diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of an in-vehicle determination system;

FIGS. 2A-2C are flow diagrams showing routines that illustrate broad aspects of methods for determining an in-vehicle role of a user and/or an in-vehicle location of a mobile device in accordance with various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing a routing that illustrates a broad aspect of a method for enabling, disabling and/or modifying at least a feature of a mobile device in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates a broad aspect of a method for determining an in-vehicle role of a user of a mobile device and/or a handheld state of a mobile device and/or a vehicle class of a vehicle containing the first mobile device using a central machine in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates a broad aspect of a method for determining a vehicle class of a vehicle using a mobile device in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates a broad aspect of a method of determining a handheld state a mobile device in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates a broad aspect of a method of restricting operation of a mobile device in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates a broad aspect of another method of restricting operation of a mobile device in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 9A is a diagram depicting an exemplary relative coordinate system of a mobile device;

FIG. 9B is a diagram depicting exemplary relative accelerations and gyroscopic rotations of a mobile device;

FIG. 9C is a diagram depicting an exemplary gyroscopic sign convention, as used herein;

FIG. 10 is a diagram depicting an exemplary coordinate system used in relation to a vehicle;

FIGS. 11A-B are diagrams depicting a mobile device and its respective exemplary coordinate system in various orientations in relation to a car and its exemplary respective coordinate system;

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates a broad aspect of another method of restricting operation of a mobile device in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates a broad aspect of another method of restricting operation of a mobile device in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates a broad aspect of a method for orienting a coordinate system of a mobile device in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram is described showing a routine that illustrates a broad aspect of a method for selectively restricting an operation of a mobile device in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 15A is an exemplary lock screen, in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 15B is an exemplary visual capture that can be processed to identify a presence of a fastened seatbelt, in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 15C depicts the “required orientation” of a mobile device, in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 15D depicts an exemplary screenshot showing visual feedback that can be provided to a user during authentication in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 15E depicts an exemplary screenshot showing visual feedback that can be provided to a user during authentication in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 15F depicts a mobile device, and specifically the locations of the forward-facing and rear-facing cameras of the mobile device, in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 15G is an illustration depicting a 90 degree angle of incidence between the user's eyes/gaze/face/smile etc. and a mobile device, in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIGS. 15H-T depict exemplary aspects of an authentication sequence in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 16 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates a broad aspect of a method for selectively restricting operation of a mobile device in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 17 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates a broad aspect of a method for authenticating an in vehicle role of a user of a mobile device and/or modifying a restriction of a mobile device in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 17A is a flow diagram showing particular aspects of the validation step of FIG. 17, in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 17B is an illustration depicting an orientation of a mobile device in relation to a typical line of sight of the driver in a moving car, in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein,

FIG. 18 is a flow diagram is described showing a routine that illustrates a broad aspect of a method for selectively restricting an operation of and/or selectively modifying a restriction employed at mobile device, in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 19 depicts an exemplary determination of orientation of a device based on visual capture(s) in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 20 depicts the orientation and/or location of mobile device in order to provide the requisite stability described herein, in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 21 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates a broad aspect of a method for selectively restricting a mobile device, in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 22 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates a broad aspect of a method for eliciting an authentication at a mobile device, in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 23 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates a broad aspect of a method for eliciting an authentication at a mobile device, in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 24 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates a broad aspect of a method for selectively modifying a restriction employed at a mobile device, in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 25 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates a broad aspect of a method for selectively projecting outputs at a mobile device, in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 26 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates a broad aspect of a method for selectively configuring overt operation of a mobile device, in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 27 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 28 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 29 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 30 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 31 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 32 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 33 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 34 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 35 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 36 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 37 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 38 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 39 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 40 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 41 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 42 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 43 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein

FIG. 44 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 45 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 46 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 47 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 48 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 49 depicts an exemplary implementation of one or more aspects described herein;

FIG. 50 depicts an exemplary implementation of one or more aspects described herein;

FIG. 51 depicts an exemplary implementation of one or more aspects described herein;

FIG. 52 depicts an exemplary implementation of one or more aspects described herein;

FIG. 53 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 54 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 55 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 56 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 57 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 58 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 59 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 60 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 61 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 62 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 63 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 64 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 65 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 66 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 67 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 68 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 69 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 70 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 71 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 72 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 73 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 74 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 75 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 76 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 77 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 78 depicts an exemplary implementation of one or more aspects described herein;

FIG. 79 depicts an exemplary implementation of one or more aspects described herein;

FIG. 80 depicts an exemplary implementation of one or more aspects described herein;

FIG. 81 depicts an exemplary implementation of one or more aspects described herein;

FIG. 82 depicts an exemplary implementation of one or more aspects described herein;

FIG. 83 depicts an exemplary implementation of one or more aspects described herein;

FIG. 84 depicts an exemplary implementation of one or more aspects described herein;

FIG. 85 depicts an exemplary implementation of one or more aspects described herein;

FIGS. 86A-C depict exemplary implementations of one or more aspects described herein;

FIGS. 87A-E depict exemplary implementations of one or more aspects described herein;

FIGS. 88A-E depict exemplary implementations of one or more aspects described herein;

FIGS. 89A-C depict exemplary implementations of one or more aspects described herein;

FIGS. 90A-E depict exemplary implementations of one or more aspects described herein;

FIGS. 91A-C depict exemplary implementations of one or more aspects described herein;

FIGS. 92A-E depict exemplary implementations of one or more aspects described herein;

FIGS. 93A-D depict exemplary implementations of one or more aspects described herein;

FIGS. 94A-D depict exemplary implementations of one or more aspects described herein;

FIGS. 95A-C depict exemplary implementations of one or more aspects described herein;

FIGS. 96A-C depict exemplary implementations of one or more aspects described herein;

FIG. 97 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein; and

FIG. 98 is a flow diagram showing a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

By way of overview and introduction, the present disclosure details systems and methods for determining various user roles and actions as they relate to the operation of a mobile device within a vehicle such as a car. Being that the usage of mobile devices while driving has been identified as a significant cause of car crashes, in addition to laws that have been enacted preventing certain use of mobile phones while driving, various systems and methods are provided herein which serve to identify the user of a particular mobile device (for instance, with respect to their role as a driver or passenger in the car), to identify various aspects of the usage of the device itself (for instance that the device is executing a text messaging application), and to identify instances when a mobile device deviates from its expected or regular operation.

As will be described in detail herein, many of these identifications and/or determinations are made possible through various sensors, components, and elements that are integrated within and/or accessible to a mobile device. As is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, contemporary smartphones incorporate a plethora of sensors, including accelerometers, GPS receivers, and gyroscopes. Various inputs and/or notifications can be received from these sensors, components, and elements, and can further be processed in a number of ways in order to arrive at various conclusions regarding, among others, the user of the mobile device (such as whether the user is a driver or passenger in a car) and/or the status of the mobile device itself, and various probabilities can be ascribed to the conclusions. The operation of the mobile device can further be adjusted based on such conclusions, for example, disabling or limiting the operation of a mobile device upon reaching a likely conclusion that the device is being operated by a user who is driving a car.

It will also be appreciated that the systems and methods disclosed herein can be arranged and/or deployed across a number of scenarios. In one scenario, the systems and methods can be principally employed at a mobile device itself, such as in the form of a mobile application or ‘app’ executing on the mobile device. In other scenarios, a central machine such as a server in communication with a mobile device can employ the present systems and methods. Such a centralized architecture can enable efficient processing and use of a larger database of user determination characteristics, eliminates power constraints and enables third parties, such as law-enforcement agencies and/or insurance companies, to easily monitor and/or adjust the operation of various mobile devices.

Moreover, it can be appreciated that today, over 70% of teenagers in the developed world own mobile devices, and most bring those devices to school every day. The ability to use these devices clandestinely in class results in student distraction, cheating on tests, and frequent disruptions of the learning environment. The inappropriate use of mobile devices in class has become one of the major problems in western educational systems today, affecting many millions of students and teachers in a very direct way.

The systems and methods described herein define a solution that renders the surreptitious use of mobile devices in school impossible, directly improving student attention and learning, and empowering educators to decide how (if at all) they may be used in classrooms. In doing so, the present systems and methods can limit distraction without interfering with legitimate device use, which until now has been a major barrier to the adoption of other proposed solutions.

The following detailed description is directed to systems and methods for determining an in-vehicle role of a user of a mobile device, selectively restricting a mobile device, and/or configuring various operations of a mobile device. The referenced systems and methods are now described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which one or more illustrated embodiments and/or arrangements of the systems and methods are shown. The systems and methods are not limited in any way to the illustrated embodiments and/or arrangements as the illustrated embodiments and/or arrangements described below are merely exemplary of the systems and methods, which can be embodied in various forms, as appreciated by one skilled in the art. Therefore, it is to be understood that any structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting the systems and methods, but rather are provided as a representative embodiment and/or arrangement for teaching one skilled in the art one or more ways to implement the systems and methods. Accordingly, aspects of the present systems and methods can take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware. One of skill in the art can appreciate that a software process can be transformed into an equivalent hardware structure, and a hardware structure can itself be transformed into an equivalent software process. Thus, the selection of a hardware implementation versus a software implementation is one of design choice and left to the implementer. Furthermore, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather are to provide an understandable description of the systems and methods.

The terms “determining,” “determine,” and “determination” as used herein are intended to encompass the determination, identification, computation, calculation, and/or selection, with any degree of certainty or precision, and/or any other such operation, function, or action as it relates to the determination, identification, and/or selection of a user of a device such as a mobile device, an in-vehicle role of a user of a device such as a mobile device, a vehicle or vehicle model/type/class, a device or device model/type/class (e.g., handheld or wired), an operation and/or operation state of a device, and/or any other such similar or related operation, function, or action.

The terms “identifying event” and “identifying events” as used herein are intended to encompass one or more occurrences or instances of events, stimuli, or phenomena, including explicitly the perceived coordinated or correlated occurrence or instance of two or more such events, stimuli, and/or phenomena, such as those originating at one or more devices. It should be understood that the referenced occurrences or instances of events, stimuli, or phenomena include single/singular events, stimuli, or phenomena as well as a set or series of multiple events, stimuli, or phenomena over a period of time. In addition, the referenced occurrences or instances of events, stimuli, or phenomena should also be understood to include one or more coordinations or correlations of the occurrence or instance of any number of such events, stimuli, and/or phenomena over any period of time.

The terms “user interface” and “user interfaces” as used herein are intended to encompass one or more input devices, software modules executing in conjunction with one or more operating systems and/or input devices, or any other such similar or related device, accessory, apparatus, and/or software application or module that enable or facilitate input and/or interaction with a computing device.

The terms “detect,” “detected,” “detects,” “detecting,” “detection,” and “detections” as used herein are intended to encompass the detection, measurement, and/or receipt, with any degree of certainty or precision, one or more occurrences or instances of events, stimuli, phenomena, or any other such similar or related inputs that are detectable through one or more devices, implements or apparatuses.

The term “processing” as used herein is intended to encompass comparing, analyzing, weighing, correlating and/or computing one or more data items, elements, or structures, individually or in conjunction with one another, using a digital processor in conjunction with one or more software modules and/or applications.

The term “communicatively coordinated” as used herein is intended to encompass direct or indirect communication between two or more devices, accessories, and/or apparatuses, expressly including communications between a first device and a central machine, wherein the central machine is in turn in communication at some interval with a second device. In such a scenario, though the first device and the second device are not, necessarily, in direct or indirect communication with one another, it can be said that they are communicatively coordinated with one another by virtue of their mutual connection to the referenced central machine.

The terms “feature” and “features” as used herein are intended to encompass operations, functions, activities, or any other such similar or related actions, whether automated/automatic or user-initiated, that occur at or in conjunction with one or more devices, machines, applications, and/or apparatuses.

The terms “notification” and “notifications” as used herein are intended to encompass one or more messages, transmissions, and/or data packets, such as electronic messages, which contain one or more data elements (such as inputs) related or relevant to one or more of the steps, operations, and/or processes disclosed herein. An illustration of one such notification can be one or more electronic messages which contain information or data reflecting a first input from an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and/or a GPS receiver at a mobile device. Such inputs can be grouped together into one or more notifications, and these notifications can in turn be transmitted to and/or received by other devices (such as a central machine) where they can be further processed.

The terms “vehicle class” and “vehicle classes” as used herein are intended to encompass one or more types, categories, and/or models of vehicle. By way of example, airplanes, trains, automobiles, motorcycles, and boats can all be said to be different vehicle classes. By way of further example, sub-categories within a given vehicle class can also be understood to be different vehicle classes. Thus, the automobile vehicle class can be further sub-divided into further vehicle classes such as sedans, vans, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), and convertibles. These sub-categories can also be said to be vehicle classes within the meaning of the term as used herein.

The terms “operation state” and “operation states” as used herein are intended to encompass the states of a device, including any and all operations, functions, capacities, and/or capabilities, including, explicitly, a set and/or series of any number of operations, functions, capacities, and/or capabilities, that can be achieved by and/or in conjunction with a device, such as a mobile device. Examples of an operation state include, but are not limited to: an execution of an application (such as an internet browser application) at a mobile device, a transmission of a notification (such as sending a text message or email message), a capacity to receive text messages, and a capability to type text using a keyboard. Accordingly, the various transformations, adjustments, and/or modifications disclosed herein that relate to an operation state and/or operation states should be understood to refer to such transformations, adjustments, and/or modifications that pertain to practically any and all operations, functions, capacities, and/or capabilities that can be achieved by and/or in conjunction with a device, such as a mobile device.

The terms “handheld state” and “handheld states” as used herein are intended to encompass one or more states of a mobile device with respect to whether or not a user is in direct or indirect physical contact with the device. For example, the handheld state of a device in instances where a user holds the device in his/her hand, carries the device in his/her pocket, and/or balances the device on his/her knee can all be said to be “handheld.” By way of further example, the handheld state of a device in instances where the device is positioned in a dock or cradle, and/or is otherwise not in direct or indirect contact with a user can be said to be “non-handheld.”

The terms “operational capacity” and “operational capacities” as used herein are intended to encompass one or more operation states of a mobile device, particularly with respect to a central machine such as a server. By way of example, an operational capacity of a mobile device can be a voice or data connection that is provided to a mobile device through a central machine, such as that of a voice/data service provider. Accordingly, it can be appreciated that a transformation, modification, and/or adjustment of such an operational capacity preferably entails such a transformation, modification, and/or adjustment that is initiated and/or effected by a central machine, preferably in relation to a mobile device. For example, a central machine can transmit an instruction and/or notification to a mobile device, such instruction/notification directing the transformation, modification, and/or adjustment be implemented at the mobile device. By way of further example, a central machine can implement a transformation, modification, and/or adjustment at the central machine itself, wherein such a transformation, modification, and/or adjustment—such as the stopping of voice and/or data connections to a mobile device—ultimately effect the functionality of the device itself. In both such cases it can be said that the central machine has transformed, modified, and/or adjusted the operational capacity of the mobile device.

The terms “user” and “users” as used herein are intended to encompass one or more individuals, persons, and/or entities whose presence a device or machine can preferably be directly or indirectly aware. It should be understood that while in certain scenarios a user can interact with a device, in other scenarios a particular individual, person, and/or entity can be said to be a “user” within the context of the present disclosure, despite not interacting with a particular device.

The terms “tactile sensor” and “tactile sensor(s)” as used herein are intended to encompass one or more buttons, touchscreens, and/or components that enable a user to interact with a device in a tactile fashion. Examples of such tactile sensors include, but are not limited to, buttons (such as those that comprise a keyboard), switches, as well as touch screen displays (such as capacitive and resistive displays) which both display information and allow the tactile interaction with such information. It should be further understood that such tactile sensors are preferably further capable of perceiving a plurality of simultaneous tactile interactions. Examples of such functionality include mutlitouch technologies, as are known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The terms “visual capture” and “visual captures” as used herein are intended to encompass one or more operations, functions, and/or actions that relate to the optical perception and/or documentation of one or more visual items, elements, and/or phenomena. Examples of such visual captures include, but are not limited to, photographs, images, videos, and/or any other such method of visual perception and/or documentation. Accordingly, it can be appreciated that certain visual captures correspond to a single instance (such as a photograph) while other visual captures correspond to multiple instances (such as a series of photographs and/or a video).

The term “in-vehicle role indicator” as used herein is intended to encompass one or more items, elements, and/or indicators that relate to one or more aspects associated with and/or corresponding to the in-vehicle role of a user in a vehicle (e.g., whether a user is or is not a driver, is or is not a passenger, etc.). For example, one such in-vehicle role indicator is identifying in a picture of two hands of a driver grasping the steering wheel of a vehicle. Using one or more optical recognition methods, such as those known to one of ordinary skill in the art, one or more images and/or videos can be processed in order to identify the presence of two hands grasping a steering wheel, thus indicating that a particular vehicle is being operated by a driver using two hands and therefore it can be reasonable concluded that the user who took such an image is not the driver. By way of further example, another such in-vehicle role indicator can be capturing a picture that can be processed to identify that a seatbelt extends from the right shoulder to left thigh of the wearer. Such an identification also reasonably suggests that the wearer is not a driver (as the seatbelt of a driver traditionally extends from the left shoulder to the right thigh).

It should be further understood that while the various computing devices and machines referenced herein, including but not limited to the first mobile device, the second mobile device, the central machine, or any other such similar or related devices or machines are referred to herein in a as individual/single devices and/or machines, in certain arrangements the referenced devices and machines, and their associated and/or accompanying operations, features, and/or functionalities can be arranged or otherwise employed across any number of devices and/or machines, such as over a network connection, as is known to those of skill in the art.

In addition, it should be understood that while the term “input” is used herein in the singular form, this is merely for the sake of clarity and convention. However, the referenced terms should be understood to encompass both singular inputs as well as a plurality (two or more) inputs, such as a set of inputs.

It should be understood that the terms “lateral acceleration,” “x-acceleration,” and “x-axis acceleration” as used herein are used interchangeably, and should thus be understood to possess the same meaning and connotation. Additionally, the terms “forward acceleration,” “y-acceleration,” and “y-axis acceleration” as used herein are used interchangeably and should thus be understood to possess the same meaning and connotation. In addition, the terms “upward acceleration,” “z-axis acceleration,” “z-acceleration” as used herein are used interchangeably and should thus be understood to possess the same meaning and connotation.

It should also be understood that the terms “yaw,” “gyroscopic yaw,” “angular velocity around the z-axis,” and “rotation around the z-axis” as used herein are used interchangeably, and should thus be understood to possess the same meaning and connotation. In addition, the terms “roll,” “gyroscopic roll,” “angular velocity around the y-axis,” and “rotation around the y-axis,” as used herein are used interchangeably, and should thus be understood to possess the same meaning and connotation. Additionally, the terms “pitch,” “gyroscopic pitch,” “angular velocity around the x-axis,” and “rotation around the x-axis” as used herein are used interchangeably, and should thus be understood to possess the same meaning and connotation.

An exemplary computer system is shown as a block diagram in FIG. 1 which is a high-level diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a determination system 100. In one arrangement, mobile device 105 can be a portable computing device such as a mobile phone, smartphone, or PDA. In other arrangements, mobile device 105 can be a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a personal computer, or an in-vehicle computer (e.g., ECU/OBD) though it should be understood that mobile device 105 of determination system 100 can be practically any computing device capable of embodying the systems and/or methods described herein.

Mobile device 105 of determination system 100 includes a control circuit 140 which is operatively connected to various hardware and software components that serve to enable operation of the determination system 100. The control circuit 140 is operatively connected to a processor 110 and a memory 120. Processor 110 serves to execute instructions for software that can be loaded into memory 120. Processor 110 can be a number of processors, a multi-processor core, or some other type of processor, depending on the particular implementation. Further, processor 110 can be implemented using a number of heterogeneous processor systems in which a main processor is present with secondary processors on a single chip. As another illustrative example, processor 110 can be a symmetric multi-processor system containing multiple processors of the same type.

Preferably, memory 120 and/or storage 190 are accessible by processor 110, thereby enabling processor 110 to receive and execute instructions stored on memory 120 and/or on storage 190. Memory 120 can be, for example, a random access memory (RAM) or any other suitable volatile or non-volatile computer readable storage medium. In addition, memory 120 can be fixed or removable. Storage 190 can take various forms, depending on the particular implementation. For example, storage 190 can contain one or more components or devices. For example, storage 190 can be a hard drive, a flash memory, a rewritable optical disk, a rewritable magnetic tape, or some combination of the above. Storage 190 also can be fixed or removable.

One or more software modules 130 are encoded in storage 190 and/or in memory 120. The software modules 130 can comprise one or more software programs or applications having computer program code or a set of instructions executed in processor 110. Such computer program code or instructions for carrying out operations for aspects of the systems and methods disclosed herein can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The program code can execute entirely on the mobile device 105, partly on mobile device 105, as a stand-alone software package, partly on mobile device 105 and partly on a remote computer/device or entirely on the remote computer/device or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer can be connected to mobile device 105 through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection can be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

Software modules 130, including program code/instructions, are located in a functional form on one or more computer readable storage devices (such as memory 120 and/or storage 190) that can be selectively removable. The software modules 130 can be loaded onto or transferred to mobile 105 for execution by processor 110. It can also be said that the program code of software modules 130 and one or more computer readable storage devices (such as memory 120 and/or storage 190) form a computer program product.

It should be understood that in some illustrative embodiments, one or more of software modules 130 can be downloaded over a network to storage 190 from another device or system via communication interface 150 for use within determination system 100. For instance, program code stored in a computer readable storage device in a server can be downloaded over a network from the server to determination system 100.

Preferably, included among the software modules 130 is a determination module 170 that is executed by processor 110. During execution of the software modules 130, and specifically the determination module 170, the processor 110 configures the control circuit 140 to determine an in-vehicle role of a user of the mobile device 105, as will be described in greater detail below. It should be understood that while software modules 130 and/or determination module 170 can be embodied in any number of computer executable formats, preferably software modules 130 and/or determination module 170 comprise one or more applications or ‘apps’ that are configured to be executed at mobile device 105 and/or in relation to mobile device 105. In other arrangements, software modules 130 and/or determination module 170 are incorporated and/or integrated within operating system 176. Furthermore, in certain arrangements, software modules 130 and/or determination module 170 can be configured to execute at the request or selection of a user of mobile device 105 (or any other such user having the ability to execute a program in relation to mobile device 105, such as a network administrator), while in other arrangements mobile device 105 can be configured to automatically execute software modules 130 and/or determination module 170, without requiring an affirmative request to execute. The advantages of such an automatic arrangement can be appreciated in context of a regulatory scheme that mandates or recommends that software modules 130 and/or determination module 170 be executed by a mobile device 105 some or all of the time, in furtherance of a campaign to improve driver safety. It should also be noted that while FIG. 1 depicts memory 120 oriented on control circuit 140, in an alternate arrangement, memory 120 can be operatively connected to the control circuit 140. In addition, it should be noted that other software modules (such as user interface 172 and operating system 176) and other information and/or data relevant to the operation of the present systems and methods (such as database 174) can also be stored on storage 190, as will be discussed in greater detail below.

A communication interface 150 is also operatively connected to control circuit 140. Communication interface 150 can be any interface that enables communication between the mobile device 105 and external devices, machines and/or elements. Preferably, communication interface 150 includes, but is not limited to, a modem, a Network Interface Card (NIC), an integrated network interface, a radio frequency transmitter/receiver (e.g., Bluetooth, cellular, NFC), a satellite communication transmitter/receiver, an infrared port, a USB connection, or any other such interfaces for connecting mobile device 105 to other computing devices and/or communication networks such as the Internet. Such connections can include a wired connection or a wireless connection (e.g. 802.11) though it should be understood that communication interface 150 can be practically any interface that enables communication to/from the control circuit 140.

At various points during the operation of determination system 100, mobile device 105 can communicate with one or more mobile devices 160A-N (collectively mobile devices 160). The mobile devices 160 transmit and/or receive data to/from the mobile device 105, thereby preferably enhancing the operation of the determination system 100, as will be described in greater detail below. It should be understood that mobile devices 160 can be in direct communication with mobile device 105, indirect communication with mobile device 105, and/or can be communicatively coordinated with mobile device 105, as will be described in greater detail below. While mobile device 160 can be practically any device capable of communication with mobile machine 105, in the preferred embodiment mobile device 160 is a handheld/portable computer, smartphone, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet computer, and/or any portable device that is capable of transmitting and receiving data to/from mobile device 105. It should also be appreciated that in many arrangements, mobile device 160 will be substantially identical, from a structural and functional perspective, to mobile device 105.

It should be noted that while the FIG. 1 depicts the determination system 100 with respect to mobile device 160A and mobile device 160N, it should be understood that any number of mobile devices 160 can interact with determination system 100 in the manner described herein.

Also preferably connected to and/or in communication with control circuit 140 are one or more sensors 145A-145N (generically sensors 145). Generally, sensors 145 are various components, devices, and/or receivers that are preferably incorporated within and/or in communication with mobile device 105. Sensors 145 preferably detect one or more stimuli, phenomena, or any other such inputs, as will be described in greater detail below. Examples of such sensors 145 include, but are not limited to, an accelerometer 145A, a gyroscope 145B, a GPS receiver 145C, a microphone 145D, a magnetometer 145E, a camera 145F, a light sensor 145G, a temperature sensor 145H, an altitude sensor 145I, a pressure sensor 145J, a proximity sensor 145K, a near-field communication (NFC) device 145L, a compass 145M, and a tactile sensor 145N. As will be described in greater detail below, mobile device 105 can preferably receive one or more inputs from one or more sensors 145 in order to determine an in-vehicle role of a user of mobile device 105 and/or to selectively restrict the operation of the mobile device.

In certain arrangements, one or more external databases and/or servers 162 are also in communication with mobile device 105. As will be described in greater detail below, database/server 162 is preferably a computing and/or storage device, and/or a plurality of computing and/or storage devices, that contain(s) information, such as determination characteristics, that can be relevant to the determination of an in-vehicle role of a user of mobile device 105.

Additionally, in certain arrangements a vehicle data system 164, such as an on board diagnostic (OBD) computer or computing device (e.g., OBD-I, OBD-II), an engine control unit (ECU), a roll system, an airbag system, a seat-weight sensor system, a seat-belt sensor system, and/or an anti-lock braking system (ABS) can also be in communication with mobile device 105. Vehicle data system 164 preferably provides data and/or information from the vehicle itself that can also be relevant to various determinations disclosed herein, such as the determination of an in-vehicle role of a user of mobile device 105, as will be described in greater detail below.

At this juncture it should be noted that in certain arrangements, such as the one depicted in FIG. 1, mobile devices 160, database/server 162, and/or vehicle data system 164 can be in periodic or ongoing communication with mobile device 105 thorough a computer network such as the Internet 166. Although not depicted in FIG. 1, it should be understood that in certain other arrangements, mobile devices 160, database/server 162, and/or vehicle data system 164 can be in periodic or ongoing direct communication with mobile device 105, such as through communications interface 150, thus not requiring the presence of a network (such as the Internet 166) in order to initiate and maintain communications.

In the description that follows, certain embodiments and/or arrangements are described with reference to acts and symbolic representations of operations that are performed by one or more devices, such as the determination system 100 of FIG. 1. As such, it will be understood that such acts and operations, which are at times referred to as being computer-executed, include the manipulation by the processor of the computer of electrical signals representing data in a structured form. This manipulation transforms the data and/or maintains them at locations in the memory system of the computer, which reconfigures and/or otherwise alters the operation of the computer in a manner understood by those skilled in the art. The data structures in which data is maintained are physical locations of the memory that have particular properties defined by the format of the data. However, while an embodiment is being described in the foregoing context, it is not meant to provide architectural limitations to the manner in which different embodiments can be implemented. The different illustrative embodiments can be implemented in a system including components in addition to or in place of those illustrated for the determination system 100. Other components shown in FIG. 1 can be varied from the illustrative examples shown. The different embodiments can be implemented using any hardware device or system capable of running program code. In another illustrative example, determination system 100 can take the form of a hardware unit that has circuits that are manufactured or configured for a particular use. This type of hardware can perform operations without needing program code to be loaded into a memory from a computer readable storage device to be configured to perform the operations.

For example, mobile device 105 can take the form of a circuit system, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device, or some other suitable type of hardware configured to perform a number of operations. With a programmable logic device, the device is configured to perform any number of operations. The device can be reconfigured at a later time or can be permanently configured to perform any number of operations. Examples of programmable logic devices include, for example, a programmable logic array, programmable array logic, a field programmable logic array, a field programmable gate array, and other suitable hardware devices. With this type of implementation, software modules 130 can be omitted because the processes for the different embodiments are implemented in a hardware unit.

In still another illustrative example, determination system 100 and/or mobile device 105 can be implemented using a combination of processors found in computers and hardware units. Processor 110 can have a number of hardware units and a number of processors that are configured to execute software modules 130. In this example, some of the processors can be implemented in the number of hardware units, while other processors can be implemented in the number of processors.

In another example, a bus system can be implemented and can be comprised of one or more buses, such as a system bus or an input/output bus. Of course, the bus system may be implemented using any suitable type of architecture that provides for a transfer of data between different components or devices attached to the bus system. Additionally, communications interface 150 can include one or more devices used to transmit and receive data, such as a modem or a network adapter.

Embodiments and/or arrangements can be described in a general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.

The operation of the determination system 100 and the various elements and components described above will be further appreciated with reference to the method for determining an in-vehicle role of a user of a mobile device as described below, in conjunction with FIGS. 2A-2C.

Turning now to FIG. 2A, a flow diagram is described showing a routine 201 that illustrates a broad aspect of a method for determining an in-vehicle role of a user of a mobile device 105 in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein. It should be appreciated that several of the logical operations described herein are implemented (1) as a sequence of computer implemented acts or program modules running on determination system 100 and/or (2) as interconnected machine logic circuits or circuit modules within the determination system 100. The implementation is a matter of choice dependent on the requirements of the device (e.g., size, energy, consumption, performance, etc.). Accordingly, the logical operations described herein are referred to variously as operations, structural devices, acts, or modules. Various of these operations, structural devices, acts and modules can be implemented in software, in firmware, in special purpose digital logic, and any combination thereof. It should also be appreciated that more or fewer operations can be performed than shown in the figures and described herein. These operations can also be performed in a different order than those described herein.

The process begins at step 210 where processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170, receives a first input, such as from one or more of sensors 145, software modules 130, user interface 172, operating system 176, and/or communication interface 150. Preferably, the first input originates from one or more identifying events that are perceptible to at least one of sensors 145, user interface 172, operating system 176, and/or communication interface 150. Examples of such an input include, but are not limited to, an acceleration input that originates from an acceleration event (e.g., the speeding up or slowing down of a car) that is perceived by accelerometer 145A, a change in geographic location input that originates from a location changing event (e.g., the movement from one place to another) that is perceived by GPS receiver 145C, and/or one or more instances or user interaction (e.g., typing) that are detected by user interface 172.

Then, at step 220, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170, analyzes at least the first input, such as to identify one or more determination characteristics within the first input, including but not limited to user determination characteristics. As will be described in greater detail below, user determination characteristics are one or more aspects originating at and/or derived from an input that provide insight regarding the in-vehicle role and/or identity of the user that is exerting control over and/or otherwise associated with a mobile device, such as mobile device 105. For example, where the first input (received at step 210) is the typing of one or more letters into user interface 172 (such as to compose a SMS message), determination module 170 can analyze the typing to identify one or more user determination characteristics (that is, characteristics that contribute to a determination of the identity of the particular user that is associated with mobile device 105, as will be described below). In this case, determination module 170 can analyze the typing patterns within the first input (such as the time interval in between the typing of individual letters in the SMS message, the average time interval in between the typing of individual letters in the SMS message, and/or the variability among one or more time intervals between the typing of individual letters in the SMS message). If there are substantial time intervals in between the typing of various letters, and/or if the time intervals in between typed letters vary widely, these factors can indicate that the user of mobile device 105 is likely distracted and thus unable to type consistently. Additional examples of analyzing an input to identify one or more determination characteristics are provided below in EXAMPLE 1.

Upon identifying one or more determination characteristics, such as user determination characteristics, based on the analysis of an input, at step 230 the processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170, computes one or more determination factors (that is, factors that reflect and/or suggest one or more determinations that can be arrived at with respect to one or more of the mobile device, its location, the user, and/or the vehicle). By way of example, a probability can be computed, based on the user determination characteristics, that the in-vehicle role of the user of mobile device 105 is a driver and/or that the in-vehicle role of the user of the mobile device 105 is a passenger. That is, in certain arrangements the user determination characteristics identified at step 220 can provide varying degrees of certitude as to the identity or role of a user. So, continuing the example provided with regard to step 220, while, on the one hand, significant time intervals between typed letters can indicate that the in-vehicle role of the user is a driver, on the other hand if the time intervals in between the various letters are, on average, consistent and/or substantially similar this can indicate that the user is not necessarily distracted (due to being a driver), but rather is a passenger and is simply not adept at typing. Accordingly, in such a case, in one arrangement the computed probability for such user determination characteristic(s) is preferably a lesser degree of certainty that the user is a driver (and/or a passenger), accounting for the potentially conflicting indications from the various user determination characteristics. By way of further example, when the user determination characteristics indicate that a lesser degree of typing inconsistency and/or shorter intra-character time intervals exists, processor 110 executing software modules 130 preferably computes a probability that the in-vehicle role of the user of mobile device 105 is a passenger. Similarly, when a greater degree of typing inconsistency and/or longer intra-character time intervals exists, processor 110 executing software modules 130 preferably computes a probability that the in-vehicle role of the user of mobile device 105 is a driver (being that the user determination characteristics appear consistent with the activity of a driver within a vehicle). It should be appreciated that because ranges exist for a particular user determination characteristic (such as typing consistency), a probability of an in-vehicle role is preferably computed, reflecting a degree of certainty that the user of mobile device is a driver and/or that the user of mobile device is a passenger.

Then, at step 240, the processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170, transforms an operation state of the mobile device 105 based on the determination factors (such as the probability computed at step 230), and/or outputs at least one operation state based on the at least one determination factor, and/or outputs at least one in-vehicle role of the user based on at least one determination factor, and/or outputs at least one in-vehicle location of the mobile device 105 based on at least one determination factor, and/or outputs at least one result based on the at least one determination factor. Various of these operations will be described in greater detail herein. For example, if the computed probability indicates that the in-vehicle role of a user of mobile device 105 is likely to be a driver, processor 110 can coordinate the disabling of one or more features of the mobile device 105, such as the disabling of any and/or all features that enable the entry of text into mobile device 105. In doing so, existing safety risks can be reduced by preventing a user who has been determined to be likely to be a driver of a vehicle from using various regular functions of mobile device 105 that are likely to distract the user and increase safety risks while driving and/or are restricted and/or prohibited based on the vehicle's current (or most recently known) location, as preferably determined in conjunction with GPS 145C. In other arrangements, one or more other transformations to the operation state of mobile device can be similarly applied based on the computed probability. For example, notifications (such as warning notifications) can be provided at the mobile device 105, notifications can be transmitted to third parties (notifying a third party, such as a law enforcement agency, of the in-vehicle role of the user of mobile device 105 and/or of the particular operation of the mobile device 105, such as that typing is being performed upon mobile device 105), instructions can be provided to third parties (such as a cellular service provider) to change an operation state of mobile device 105 (such as temporarily disabling the communication ability of mobile device 105), and/or one or more applications executing or executable on mobile device 105 can be disabled (such as a text messaging application).

At this juncture, it can be appreciated that the operations corresponding to transforming step 240 can be customized and/or configured in relation to various probabilities computed at step 230. That is, certain transformations of the operation state of mobile device 105 (for example, notifying law enforcement authorities) may only be appropriate when there is a high probability (such as greater than 90%) that the in-vehicle role of a user of mobile device 105 is a driver (and further that the driver is interacting with mobile device 105 in an illegal manner while driving), while other transformations may be appropriate even for lower degrees of probability (for example, it may be appropriate to provide a warning notification at mobile device 105 even for a 60% probability that the user is a driver). Yet other transformations can be employed preemptively, wherein the transformation is applied even before a prohibited interaction (e.g., typing into an SMS program) occurs, thereby avoiding restricted or prohibited interaction with mobile device 105, even at the first instance. Furthermore, as referenced above, in certain arrangements the user can configure how (that is, the type of transformation) and when (that is, the probability threshold that must be met in order to trigger the transformation) the operation of mobile device 105 is to be transformed. In other arrangements, a third party can establish such configurations. For example, a regulatory agency can dictate that one or more transformations be employed on some or all mobile devices when a particular probability threshold that a user of the device is a driver is met. By way of further example, a car insurance provider can provide incentives to its customers who utilize one or more transformations and/or probability thresholds suggested and/or dictated by the insurance company.

Turning now to FIG. 2B, a flow diagram is described showing a routine 202 that illustrates a further aspect of a method for determining an in-vehicle role of a user of a mobile device 105 in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein. Though already noted above, it should be particularly appreciated with reference to FIG. 2B that more or fewer operations can be performed than shown in the figures and described herein, and that these operations can be performed in a different order than those described herein. Thus, in certain arrangements certain of the operations of FIG. 2B can be performed while others are not, and further that in certain arrangements can be performed in a sequence other than that depicted in FIG. 2B.

The process begins at step 210 where a first input of a first device 105 is received, and proceeds to step 220 where the first input is analyzed. Steps 210 and 220 have already been described above with reference to FIG. 2A and thus will not be further elaborated upon here as their operation is substantially identical to steps 210 and 220 described above.

Then, at step 221, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170, receives a second input from one or more of sensors 145, software modules 130, user interface 172, operating system 176, and/or communication interface 150. As described above with reference to step 210, examples of such an input include, but are not limited to, an input corresponding to an acceleration perceived by accelerometer 145A, and/or an input corresponding to a change in geographic location as perceived by GPS receiver 145C.

At step 222, the second input is analyzed by processor 110 executing determination module 170, in a manner substantially similar to that described above with reference to step 220, in order to identify one or more determination characteristics such as user determination characteristics within the second input. For example, where the second input (received at step 221) comprises one or more accelerations detected by accelerometer 145A, determination module 170 can analyze the accelerations to identify one or more user determination characteristics within the second input. Here, determination module 170 can analyze various patterns within the second input (such as the time and duration of acceleration and deceleration). Certain patterns, such as frequent periods of sustained forward acceleration interspersed with periodic intervals of rapid and/or brief forward deceleration can indicate that the user of mobile device 105 is likely traveling in, if not operating, a car which often follows such an acceleration/deceleration pattern. As described in detail herein, by identifying one or more user determination characteristics (such as identifying that the user of mobile device 105 is likely traveling in a car, as described above), the context and significance of one or more other user determination characteristics can be better evaluated and/or quantified. For example, the typing patterns of a user determined to be traveling in a moving car are, on average, of greater significance in determining whether the user of the device is a driver/passenger. On the other hand, the typing patterns of a user of a mobile device 105 that has been determined not to be traveling in a moving car can be understood to be, on average, of lesser significance in determining whether the user of the device is a driver/passenger.

Then, at step 223, the processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170, can compare the determination characteristics such as user determination characteristics identified within the first input (such as those identified at step 220) with the determination characteristics such as user determination characteristics identified within the second input (such as those identified at step 222). In doing so, one or more patterns, correlations and/or relationships can be identified between the user determinations characteristics of the first input and the user determination characteristics of the second input. By way of illustration, referring to the examples discussed above, the typing patterns identified at step 220 can be compared with the acceleration/deceleration patterns identified at step 222. In doing so, patterns, correlations, and/or relationships between the typing patterns and acceleration/deceleration patterns can be identified. For example, if time intervals between typed characters and/or typing inconsistencies increase at the same time as substantial and/or sudden forward and/or lateral acceleration and/or deceleration, this can further indicate that the user of a mobile device 105 is a driver. Being that for a driver to engage in a maneuver with sudden acceleration and/or deceleration the driver is expected to have temporarily stopped typing due to the increased attention a driver must pay to his driving activities, if such accelerations correlate closely with inconsistent typing speeds and/or slower typing speed and/or such accelerations are just prior to typing delays, this can be a strong indication that the user of mobile device 105 is a driver.

Additional illustrations of scenarios and/or arrangements wherein multiple inputs are analyzed, compared, correlated, and/or processed in order to determine various aspects of the roles of one or more users of a mobile device 105, are provided throughout the present disclosure.

At step 224, the processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170, compares determination characteristics such as user determination characteristics (including, but not limited to, the user determination characteristics from the first input, as identified at step 220, and/or the user determination characteristics from the second input, as identified at step 222) with stored determination characteristics such as user determination characteristics, such as those stored at one or more databases, such as database 174 (that is local to mobile device 105) and/or database/server 162 (that is external to mobile device 105). Stored user determination characteristics can be archived user determination characteristics that have been retained from previous user determinations that have been performed, can be generated based on statistical analyses of previous user determinations, and/or can be defined or established independent of any particular previous user determination. In comparing user determination characteristics (such as those identified at step 220 and/or step 222) with stored user determination characteristics (such as stored user determination characteristics that have historically demonstrated a high degree of prediction accuracy in determining an in-vehicle role of a user), the processor 110 can more accurately compute the probability that the in-vehicle role of the user of mobile device 105 is a driver or that the in-vehicle role of the user of mobile device 105 is a passenger. For instance, following the example referenced above with regard to typing inconsistencies, if certain typing patterns have historically been demonstrated as very reliable in determining the in-vehicle role, of the user, various identified user determination characteristics (such as those identified at step 220 and/or step 222) can be compared to such stored determination characteristics (e.g., highly predictive typing patterns). If the identified determination characteristics closely correlate to highly reliable/predictive stored determination characteristics, the identified determination characteristics can be similarly considered highly reliable and this correlation can further enhance the reliability of the computation of a probability regarding the in-vehicle role of a particular user. Additional examples and illustrations of such comparisons are provided below at EXAMPLE 1.

At step 225, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170, receives an input from another device, such as one of mobile devices 160. It should be understood that the input received from mobile device 160 is preferably from among the various types of inputs referenced above at steps 210 and 221 (for example, an acceleration input that originates from an acceleration event that is perceived by accelerometer 145A, and/or a change in geographic location input that originates from a location changing event that is perceived by GPS receiver 145C), and thus will not be described at length here. However, it should be appreciated that this input originates at mobile device 160 (that is, a device external to mobile device 105), and thus the input from mobile device 160 is preferably received by mobile device 105 through communication interface 150.

Then, at step 226, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170, processes an input of mobile device 105 against an input of one or more mobile devices 160. In doing so, one or more determination characteristics such as user determination characteristics can be identified within the input of the first mobile device 105. By way of example, various typing patterns and/or tendencies (referenced above) of mobile device 160 can be processed against similar typing patterns/tendencies of mobile device 105 (or, alternatively, various typing patterns and/or tendencies of mobile device 105 can be processed against similar typing patterns/tendencies of mobile device 160). In doing so, processor 110 can analyze and/or identify the degree to which the input from mobile device 105 deviates from the input received from mobile device(s) 160, in a manner similar to the comparison discussed above at step 224 (except that here the input of mobile device 105 is being processed against an input received from another mobile device 160, as opposed to comparing one user determination characteristic with stored characteristics). Thus, continuing with the provided example, in a case where the typing tendencies of mobile device 105 are relatively inconsistent, if, when processing the typing tendencies received from mobile device(s) 160 against those of mobile device 105 it is revealed that the typing across many or all of the devices 105 and 160 is similarly inconsistent, this can indicate that it there is not necessarily a high probability that the user of mobile device 105 is a driver, despite the inconsistent typing inputs received at the device 105 (rather, such inconsistent typing may be the result of the various devices 105 and 160 traveling along an off-road or bumpy road, which would make consistent typing difficult, even for passengers in a vehicle). Additionally, if the typing tendencies of mobile device 105 are relatively consistent, however when processing such input(s) against inputs from mobile device(s) 160 it is revealed that the typing tendencies of the user of mobile device 105 are actually relatively inconsistent, this can indicate a higher probability that the user of mobile device 105 is a driver of a vehicle (even though the input from mobile device 105, in-and-of-itself, may not have generated the same conclusion).

It should be noted that various limitations and/or filters can be imposed upon the receiving at step 225 and/or the processing at step 226, to ensure the most accurate results possible. That is, while in certain arrangements it can be beneficial to receive inputs from practically any mobile device 160 that is capable of communication with mobile device 105, in other arrangements it can be preferably to limit the number of devices and/or inputs that are received by mobile device 105 on the basis of one or more factors to ensure that the inputs being received by mobile device 105 from such external devices 160 are those that can be expected to be of greatest relevance. Examples of factors that can be considered in imposing such limitations and/or filters include proximity to mobile device 105 and/or similarity/compatibility with mobile device 105. To illustrate, in processing the typing tendencies of device 105 against those of another device 160, it can be preferable to ensure that device 160 is in close proximity to mobile device 105 (such as through a comparison of the location coordinates obtained from their respective GPS receivers or by causing one or more of the mobile devices to emit one or more tones and/or signals (e.g., an audio tone) that can then be received on other mobile devices that are in close proximity, as described in detail in EXAMPLE 2), thereby establishing a high likelihood that mobile device 105 and mobile device 160 are operating within the same vehicle (and are thus subjected to substantially identical conditions). To further illustrate, being that various mobile devices such as smartphones utilize different user interfaces and button configurations, it can be advantageous in certain arrangements to compare inputs from one mobile device 105 with those of another mobile device 160 that is either identical to or at least highly compatible with mobile device 105 (such as a device using the same operating system). Due to differences across various mobile devices and operating systems, ensuring that mobile device 105 and mobile device(s) 160 are similar (if not identical) ensures that the inputs received from each can be assumed to be highly comparable.

Additional examples of processing inputs from one device 105, 160 against those of one or more other devices to identify one or more determination characteristics are provided below in EXAMPLE 2.

In addition, in certain arrangements it is preferable that the inputs from mobile device 105 and those of mobile device 160 that are to be processed against one another/compared are substantially synchronized from a chronological standpoint. That is, it is preferable that each of the various inputs be associated with a particular time (and that the source of such time be a central clock, such as a server, which can synchronize the various devices, though it should be understood that in other arrangements one or more of devices 105, 160 can broadcast timing data that enables the calibration of the various devices), thereby enabling the processing of inputs from mobile device 105 with inputs from mobile device 160 that correspond to the same point in time. Doing so ensures that the various inputs being processed/compared are highly comparable, in that they reflect the operations of the various devices 105 and 160 in response to the same events (e.g., accelerating/decelerating over the course of a driver). Additional examples and illustrations of such further processing operations are provided below in EXAMPLE 3.

At step 227, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170, receives an input from vehicle data system 164, such as an on board diagnostic (OBD) computer or computing device (e.g., OBD-I, OBD-II, ECU, roll system, airbag system, and/or an ABS), preferably through communication interface 150. As noted above, vehicle data system 164 preferably provides data and/or information originating at the vehicle itself. For example, vehicle data system 164 can provide one or more inputs that reflect various actions or events, such as a car's acceleration and/or deceleration, steering, braking, and/or any other such car-related operations. Such inputs can provide further insight into determining the in-vehicle role of a user of mobile device 105, as will be described below.

Then, at step 228, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170, processes an input of mobile device 105 against an input of vehicle data system 164, in a manner similar to that described above with respect to step 226. However, here an input of mobile device 105, such as various typing tendencies (as illustrated above) is processed against an input from vehicle data system 164 that preferably pertains to an operation of a car (e.g., the car accelerating, braking, and/or swerving) and which is qualitatively different than the input of mobile device 105 because vehicle data system 164 cannot necessarily detect the various stimuli perceptible to mobile device 105, owing in part to the fact that mobile device 105 is preferably not fixed relative to the car's coordinate system. As such, the various inputs (that is, the inputs from mobile device 105 and those from vehicle data system 164) are compared and/or synchronized from a chronological standpoint, substantially in the manner described above with respect to step 226. In doing so, inputs from mobile device 105 can be processed against inputs from vehicle data system 164 (which, in turn, originate at the car itself), thereby enabling the association of various inputs from mobile device 105 with events such as the accelerating, braking, and/or swerving of the car. Thus, following the typing tendencies example provided, if certain highly erratic typing tendencies perceived at mobile device 160, occur just prior and/or closely correlate to various driving operations (reflected in the inputs from vehicle data system 164) such as accelerating, braking, and/or swerving, one or more user determination characteristics can be identified with regard to the input(s) from mobile device 105, indicating that there is a high likelihood that the in-vehicle role of the user of mobile device 105 is a driver.

At this juncture, it can be appreciated that although several sections of the forgoing disclosure have referenced the processing and/or comparison of various inputs against one another in context of inputs that are qualitatively comparable (such as at steps 224 and 226, above, referring to the comparison of typing tendencies from various sources), in other arrangements various inputs that are not necessarily qualitatively comparable (or, at least, do not appear to be qualitatively comparable). For example, in a manner similar to that described above with respect to step 223, an input of typing tendencies from one source (such as mobile device 105) can be compared with/analyzed against an input of accelerations/decelerations originating at mobile device 160. The respective inputs preferably have a timestamp to enable the chronological comparison between the inputs, as described in greater detail above with respect to step 226.

At step 230, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170, computes one or more determination factors, such as a probability, based on the various determination characteristics, that the in-vehicle role of the user of mobile device 105 is a driver and/or a probability that the in-vehicle role of the user of the mobile device 105 is a passenger, substantially in the manner described in detail above with regard to step 230. Then, at step 240, the processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170, transforms an operation state of the mobile device 105 and/or outputs at least one operation state based on the at least one determination factor, and/or outputs at least one in-vehicle role of the user based on at least one determination factor, and/or outputs at least one in-vehicle location of the mobile device 105 based on at least one determination factor, and/or outputs at least one result based on the at least one determination factor, as also described in detail above.

Turning now to FIG. 2C, a flow diagram is described showing a routine 203 that illustrates a further aspect of a method for determining an in-vehicle role of a user of a mobile device 105 in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein. The process begins at step 210 where an input is received from mobile device 105, and proceeds to step 220 where the first input is analyzed. At step 230, a determination factor such as a probability is computed, based on the various determination characteristics, as referenced above. Steps 210, 220, and 230 have already been described above with reference to FIG. 2A and thus will not be further elaborated upon here as their operation is substantially identical to steps 210, 220, and 230 described above.

Then, at step 250, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170, outputs one or more results based on the determination factor(s) computed at step 230. Such results can include, but are not limited to, one or more files, notifications, and/or communications that contain and/or reflect operations of the mobile device 105, and/or one or more operation states of the first mobile device 105, and the outputting of such results can be dependent upon a certain probability threshold, as described in detail herein. For example, in a scenario where mobile device 105 is configured to output results (such as that the in-vehicle role of a user is a driver/passenger) when the probability (that is, the reliability) of such results are greater than 75%, when mobile device 105 determines with a probability of 80% that the in-vehicle role of a user of mobile device 105 is a driver, a corresponding notification can be outputted reflecting such results. Thus, it can be appreciated that the referenced results can be output based on the calculated probability that the user of mobile device 105 is a driver or that the user of mobile device 105 is a passenger. It should be understood that the outputting referenced at this step can be employed in a number of ways depending on the particular arrangement. For example, in certain arrangements the referenced results can be transmitted to an external device or third-party, such as a law enforcement agency, insurance company, and/or other device 160 (for example, a parent receiving results from a child's device 105), via communication interface 150. It can be appreciated that, as referenced above with regard to step 240, the outputting of such results to a law enforcement agency, insurance company, and/or another device 160 can ensure that such entities are notified of the various operations and/or operation states of a particular mobile device 105, especially when it has been determined that it is highly probable that device 105 is being operated by a driver of a car. In another arrangement, such results can be outputted to mobile device 105 itself in any number of ways, such as by logging the operations and/or operation state(s) of mobile device 105 at times/intervals when it has been determined, for instance, that there is a high probability that the user of mobile device 105 is a driver. Irrespective of whether the results are output to a third-party or to the device 105 itself, it should be appreciated that the outputting of such results can provide insight regarding the operations of the mobile device 105 at a particular moment and/or interval, which can be utilized later, such as in investigating car crashes. For example, if a car crash occurs, a law-enforcement agency can review such outputted results to determine whether the driver was engaged in various distracting activities during and/or near the time of the crash (e.g., mobile device 105 was being used by driver with 93% certainty, was being used in a hand-held state with 94% certainty, and was being used for texting with 100% certainty at least 30 seconds prior to the crash). As such, it can be further appreciated in certain arrangements the various referenced results can be outputted across any and/or all degrees of probability, thereby ensuring a comprehensive log of a user results, reflecting the various operations and/or operation states throughout the course of operation of the mobile device 105.

In certain implementations, a device can be determined to be operated by a driver or a passenger based on one or more applications running at the device (and/or that are installed on the device but not necessarily running). FIG. 43 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both. At 4305 one or more operational aspects of a user device can be identified. In certain implementations the one or more operational aspects can include one or more applications executing at the mobile device. Moreover, in certain implementations the one or more operational aspects can include one or more resources being utilized at the mobile device. At 4310 the one or more operational aspects can be processed, such as in order to determine one or more characteristics of a user of the user device. At 4315, one or more operations can be initiated, such as based on the one or more characteristics.

For example, a device determined to be within a moving vehicle that is running a ‘SatNav’ application can be determined to be relatively more likely to be operated by a driver than by a passenger. Moreover, based on the resources that the device is using (e.g., whether Bluetooth is paired on the device), it can be determined that it is more likely that a driver is operating the device, while if a headset is plugged into the device's headset jack and music is playing while the device is determined to be within a moving vehicle, it is more likely that a passenger is operating the device.

Turning now to FIG. 3, a flow diagram is described showing a routine 300 that illustrates an aspect of a method for enabling, disabling and/or modifying at least a feature of a mobile device 105 in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein.

The process begins at step 310 where processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170, monitors one or more inputs from one or more of sensors 145, software modules 130, user interface 172, operating system 176, and/or communication interface 150. As described in detail above with reference to step 210, examples of such inputs include, but are not limited to, an acceleration input, a geographic location input, and/or one or more instances or user interaction (e.g., typing).

Then, at step 320, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170 defines an operation signature based on the inputs monitored at step 310. The defined operation signature preferably reflects a normal operation state and/or a range of normal operation states of the mobile device 105. That is, based on the various inputs monitored at mobile device 105, over a defined time interval (for example, a day, a week, and/or a month) an operation signature or profile can be defined that reflects one or more values or ranges of values that have been identified as the normal or regular operation of the device 105, the normal or regular usage of the device 105 by a particular user, and/or the normal or regular usage of device 105 and/or a series or class of such devices by a particular user and/or a series or range of users. For example, after monitoring inputs from the accelerometer 145A of mobile device 105 for a period of time, a range of normal acceleration inputs of the device 105 can be determined. Similarly, upon monitoring inputs from the user interface 172 of mobile device 105, a range of normal typing tendencies (e.g., typing speeds, typing consistency, etc., as described herein) can be determined. These various inputs can be used to define an operation signature for the mobile device 105 that reflects the normal operation and/or operating range of the device 105. It should be appreciated that the referenced operation signature is not limited to a single input or type of input, but rather in certain arrangements can be made up of signatures of two or more types of inputs. For example, in one arrangement a normal operation signature can be made up of a range normal accelerometer inputs together with a range of normal typing tendencies.

At step 330, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170, further monitors one or more second inputs from one or more of sensors 145, software modules 130, user interface 172, operating system 176, and/or communication interface 150, substantially in the manner described above with respect to step 310.

Then, at step 340, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170, processes one or more of the second input(s) (monitored at step 330) against one or more of the operation signature(s) (defined at step 320). In doing so, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170, can identify a degree of deviation and/or a degree of correlation between the second input(s) and the operation signature(s). By way of example, various typing patterns and/or tendencies (referenced above) of mobile device 105 can be processed against an operation signature reflecting a range of normal typing tendencies of mobile device 105, as referenced above with respect to step 320 and described in detail herein. In doing so, processor 110 can analyze and/or identify the degree to which the one or more second input(s) (monitored at step 330) deviate from the operation signature of mobile device 105 (defined at step 320). Thus, continuing with the provided example, even in a case where the monitored typing tendencies of mobile device 105 are not necessarily highly inconsistent, from an objective standpoint, upon processing such inputs against an operation signature (such as an operation signature reflecting that the typing tendencies of the user of mobile device 105 are generally highly consistent/accurate), it can be revealed that the monitored typing tendencies/inputs actually deviate substantially from the mobile device's 105 operation signature. In this example, such a deviation from the operation signature (which reflects the normal and/or expected operation of mobile device 105) can indicate that the mobile device 105 is being operated under conditions that distract the user from interacting normally with the device 105, such as during driving. Similarly, in an alternative example, in a case where the monitored typing tendencies of mobile device 105 are relatively inconsistent, from an objective standpoint, upon processing such inputs against an operation signature (such as an operation signature reflecting that the typing tendencies of the user of mobile device 105 are also generally inconsistent, such as in the case of a new user who is not adept at typing), it can be revealed that the monitored typing tendencies/inputs (which otherwise reflect significantly inconsistent typing tendencies) actually correlate substantially with the mobile device's 105 operation signature. In such an example, the correlation with the operation signature (which reflects the normal and/or expected operation of mobile device 105) can indicate that the mobile device 105 is actually being operated under relatively normal/consistent conditions, and thus should not be assumed to be operated under distracting conditions, such as driving, as may have otherwise been concluded based on the inconsistent typing tendencies alone.

At this juncture, it should be noted that steps 310 and 320 can be repeated on a periodic and/or constant basis, in order to further refine the operation signature defined at step 320. That is, it can be appreciated that in certain scenarios a user's interaction with mobile device 105 can change and/or improve over time (such as in the case of a new user whose typing skills gradually improve with repeated use of device 105), and thus the operation signature of mobile device 105 should be adjusted, modified, and/or refined accordingly. It can be appreciated that this process can be achieved in any number of ways. In one arrangement, mobile device 105 can be configured to periodically reset its operation signature (such as every month), such that only recent operations are accounted for in defining the operation signature. In other arrangements, further inputs that are monitored can be factored into and/or averaged with previously monitored inputs, thereby updating an existing operation signature. In yet other arrangements, further inputs can be factored into and/or averaged with previously monitored inputs, and the more recent inputs can be weighted to place greater emphasis upon them, thereby updating an existing operation signature while accounting for the fact that more recent inputs are of greater value in defining an accurate operation signature of a mobile device 105.

At step 350, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170, adjusts one or more operations of mobile device 105. Preferably, this adjustment corresponds to the degree of deviation and/or the degree of correlation between one or more monitored inputs (such as the input monitored at step 330) and one or more operation signature(s) of mobile device 105 (such as the operation signature defined at step 320). It should be understood that in certain arrangements, this adjustment is similar to the transformation of the operation state of mobile device 105 discussed in detail above with respect to step 240, and/or the outputting of one or more results discussed in detail above with respect to step 250. For example, in certain arrangements, processor 110 can coordinate the disabling of one or more features of the mobile device 105, such as the disabling of any and/or all features that enable the entry of text into mobile device 105, while in other arrangements notifications (such as warning notifications) can be provided at or transmitted to mobile device 105. Various other examples of adjustments to one or more operations of mobile device 105 are described in greater detail above with reference to steps 240 and 250.

As also described in detail above with respect to step 240, it should be noted that various of the adjustments employed at step 350 can be customized and/or configured in relation to various degrees of correlation and/or deviation identified at step 340. Thus, it can be appreciated that certain adjustments of the operation of mobile device 105 (for example, notifying law enforcement authorities) may only be appropriate when a high degree of deviation from a normal operation state (that is, from the operation signature) is identified (and, preferably, further that such a deviation is indicative of restricted or prohibited activity on the part of the user of mobile device 105). Other adjustments, such as providing a notification at mobile device 105, may be appropriate even for lower degrees of correlation/deviation, as described in detail above.

In certain implementations, information regarding whether and how a device user uses his/her device, such as when in a moving vehicle, can be measured and/or recorded, whether or not the device user is determined to be the driver (or irrespective of a likelihood that the device user is the driver). Such technologies/techniques can be used, among other things, to log and analyze how large a “distracted driving” problem the device user has, i.e., based on how much and in what ways the device's usage deviates from a particular device usage policy (e.g., a state or federal law, a company policy, a parental policy, etc.) in conjunction with various determinations pertaining to the identity of the user (e.g., as a driver of a vehicle).

In certain implementations, such technologies can utilize information obtained directly from the device (e.g., information about calls made or received, texts made or received, applications used, URLs visited, intermediate or final sources or destinations of data transmissions, device movement information, location information, network connectivity or visibility information, GPS, accelerometer, etc.) and/or information obtained from third parties (e.g., mobile server providers, telematics, etc.).

The referenced information can also be saved to the device and/or to a remote server.

In certain implementations, the frequency or quantity (e.g., number of screen touches, number of key presses, time with screen on, CPU activity, application switches, number of human or device spoken words) of device use is used as an indicator to determine vehicle role. Such frequency can be measured in various ways (e.g., (i) relative to others; (ii) relative to self (e.g., same device); (iii) relative to self as driver; and (iv) relative to self as passenger) to make such determination. For example, if a device user uses her device, on average, at least once every five (5) minutes (during waking hours) throughout the day and, for a period in which the device was in a vehicle, she doesn't use it for 60 minutes, there is a relatively greater likelihood that her in-vehicle role was that of a driver. Similarly, if a device user has, on average, 5 device interactions (e.g., key presses) per minute (during waking hours) throughout the day and, for a period in which the device was in a vehicle, the quantity of key presses was 400 over 60 minutes, there is a relatively greater likelihood that her in-vehicle role was that of a passenger.

Turning now to FIG. 4, a flow diagram is described showing a routine 400 that illustrates an aspect of a method of determining at least one of an in-vehicle role of a user of a first mobile device and/or a handheld state of the first mobile device and/or a vehicle class of a vehicle containing the first mobile device using a central machine in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein. As will be described in greater detail below, various of the steps and operations that make up routine 400 share substantial similarities to those described above in connection with FIGS. 2A-C and 3. However, it should be understood that while FIGS. 2A-C and 3 principally concern determinations occurring at mobile device 105, routine 400 is primarily directed to determinations performed at central machine 168, as will be described in greater detail below. It should be further noted that, as described in greater detail below, while any one of the particular steps, operations, and/or functions are described throughout the present disclosure as being performed at and/or upon a particular machine or device (such as mobile device 105, mobile device 160, and/or central machine 168), such description should be understood as being exemplary and/or illustrative and not limiting. Accordingly, it can be appreciated that any and all steps, operations, and/or functions described herein with regard to a particular device and/or machine (such as central machine 168) should be similarly understood to be similarly capably of employment at another device and/or machine (such as mobile device 105), substantially in the manner described herein, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The process begins at step 410 where processor 4110 of central machine 168 (depicted in FIG. 1) executing one or more of software modules 4130, including, preferably, determination module 4170, receives (preferably through communication interface 4150) a first notification from mobile device 105, the first notification preferably corresponding to an input originating from one or more of sensors 145, software modules 130, user interface 172, operating system 176, and/or communication interface 150 of mobile device 105. As described in detail above with respect to step 210, the first input originates from one or more identifying events that are perceptible to at least one of sensors 145, user interface 172, operating system 176, and/or communication interface 150 of mobile device 105, such as an acceleration input perceived by accelerometer 145A, a change in geographic location input perceived by GPS receiver 145C, and/or one or more instances or user interaction (e.g., typing) detected by user interface 172. A notification, such as a computer readable file containing information that reflects the input itself as well as information that is pertinent to the input (such as the time, date, and a unique identifier such as a MAC address of mobile device 105) is preferably generated by mobile device 105 based on the input, and is transmitted by communication interface 150 of mobile device 105 to central machine 168, preferably via communications network 166. As noted above, it should be recognized that while FIG. 1 depicts central machine 168 communicating with mobile device 105 via network/Internet 166, it should be understood that in other arrangements central machine 168 communicates with mobile device 105 directly, such as through a direct Bluetooth pairing and/or through an ad-hoc wireless network.

Then, at step 420, processor 4110 of central machine 168 executing one or more of software modules 4130, including, preferably, determination module 4170, analyzes at least the first notification to identify one or more determination characteristics, such as one or more of user determination characteristics and/or one or more handheld state characteristics and/or one or more vehicle determination characteristics within the notification. As described in detail above with respect to step 220, user determination characteristics are one or more aspects originating at and/or derived from one or more input(s) and/or notification(s) that provide insight regarding the in-vehicle role, and/or identity of the user that is exerting control over and/or otherwise associated with a mobile device, such as mobile device 105. Similarly, handheld state characteristics are one or more aspects originating at and/or derived from one or more input(s) and/or notification(s) that provide insight regarding the handheld state of a mobile device, such as mobile device 105, such as whether mobile device 105 is being operated by a user in a handheld or non-handheld state (for example, various angles and/or sudden changes perceived by gyroscope 145B can indicate that mobile device 105 is being operated in a handheld state by a user). It can thus be appreciated that while the underlying analysis performed at the present step 420 and at step 220, as described above, are substantially similar, here the analysis is performed by central machine 168 based on notifications received from mobile device 105, while at step 220 the analysis is preferably performed by mobile device 105 itself. Having this analysis performed at central machine 168 (as opposed to at mobile device 105, from which the notification analyzed at this step originates) provides several advantages in certain scenarios over having the analysis performed at mobile device 105, as described at step 220. For example, the analysis performed at the present step can be quite resource intensive, and shifting this analysis to central machine 168 ensures that the system resources of mobile device 105 remain relatively free. Additionally, in certain arrangements central machine 168 can be operated by a law enforcement agency, and, as such, a centralized approach, such as the one described with respect to FIG. 4, can provide such an agency with the ability to monitor and/or adjust the operational capacity of mobile device 105 as necessary, as will be described in greater detail below. Moreover, in certain scenarios this centralized approach can be easier to implement with respect to regulatory compliance and preventing tampering. It is expected that both regulatory authorities who are interested in implementing a solution such as that described with reference to FIG. 4 are more likely to succeed in obtaining compliance from mobile device manufacturers and/or mobile communications providers when requiring a solution that primarily only requires, from the standpoint of the mobile device 105, periodic notification transmissions from mobile device 105 to central machine 168. In addition, such a solution can be more difficult for users to manipulate, modify, and/or ‘hack,’ given that the primary analysis is performed by central machine 168, as opposed to mobile device 105.

At step 430, processor 4110 of central machine 168 executing one or more of software modules 4130, including, preferably, determination module 4170, computes one or more determination factor(s), such as probabilities, based on the determination characteristics identified at step 420. It should be understood that, for instance, based on the particular inputs upon which a notification (which is analyzed at step 420) is based, various user determination characteristics and/or handheld state characteristics are generated. For example, as referenced above, in certain arrangements user determination characteristics are identified (such as typing tendencies, as referenced above), while in other arrangements handheld state characteristics (such as one or more angles detected by mobile device 105, as referenced above) can be identified, while in yet other arrangements both user determination characteristics and handheld state characteristics can be identified. In any event, at step 430, one or more probabilities are computed by central machine 168, reflecting a probability that the in-vehicle role of the user of mobile device 105 is a driver, a probability that the in-vehicle role of the user of the mobile device 105 is a passenger, a probability that the handheld state of the mobile device 105 is handheld, and/or a probability that the handheld state of the mobile device 105 is non-handheld, all in a manner substantially similar to that described in detail above with respect to step 230. It should be understood that, as described in detail above, in certain arrangements the user determination characteristics and/or handheld state characteristics identified at step 420 can provide varying degrees of certitude as to the identity/role of a user and/or the handheld state of mobile device 105. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that because ranges exist across the spectrum of a particular user determination and/or handheld state characteristic (such as typing consistency and/or device angle), a probability that an in-vehicle role of the user of mobile device 105 is a driver/passenger and/or a probability that a handheld state of mobile device 105 is handheld/non-handheld preferably reflects a degree of certainty across such a probability spectrum, as described in detail above.

Then, at step 440, processor 4110 of central machine 168 executing one or more of software modules 4130, including, preferably, determination module 4170, adjusts an operational capacity of mobile device 105 based on the one or more determination factor(s), such as at least one of the probabilities computed at step 430, substantially in the manner described in detail above with respect to step 240. However, it should again be understood that while the description pertaining to step 240 above relates to adjustments and transformations initiated by mobile device 105 upon itself, here the adjustments to the operation of mobile device 105 are initiated by central machine 168. For example, in certain arrangements central machine 168 can transmit an operation command, such as a command in the form of one or more notifications, messages, and/or instructions that reflect various adjustments that are to be made to the operational capacity of mobile device 105, and such adjustments can then be applied to mobile device 105 upon its receipt of the transmitted operation command(s), and/or their application/execution, effecting similar and/or identical results as those described in detail above with respect to step 240 (e.g., providing notifications at mobile device 105, restricting operation of mobile device 105, and/or transmitting notifications from mobile device 105 to third parties). In other arrangements, central machine 168 can adjust the operational capacity of mobile device 105 based primarily and/or exclusively on adjustments made at and/or by central machine 168 which, in turn, preferably effect or otherwise adjust the operational capacity of mobile device 105. For instance, in an arrangement where central machine 168 is controlled by a mobile communications provider such as a cellular communications provider, an adjustment can be implemented at central machine 168 whereby one or more of the services provided by mobile communications provider to mobile device 105 (such as phone, SMS, and/or data services) can be interrupted and/or otherwise adjusted or modified, thereby effecting the operation of mobile device 105 through an adjustment occurring at central machine 168 based on the probability computed at step 430. It should be noted that in other arrangements, substantially similar adjustments can be implemented upon and/or through one or more service providers that provide one or more services, whether directly or indirectly, to mobile device 105. By way of illustration, various voice over IP (VoIP) providers, such as Skype, enable users to achieve voice communications (akin to telephone calls) over data connections (such as an internet connection). By way of further illustrations, the ‘Viber’ app enables similar SMS capabilities over an internet connection. In any event, it should be understood that the methods and systems disclosed herein can be configured such that any necessary adjustment can be implemented upon and/or through the requisite service provider (for example, by limiting the calling capabilities of Skype and/or the SMS capabilities of Viber) substantially in the manner described in detail above.

At step 450, processor 4110 of central machine 168 executing one or more of software modules 4130, including, preferably, determination module 4170, outputs one or more results and/or operation states of mobile device 105 based on the one or more determination factor(s), such as the probability or probabilities computed at step 430, substantially in the same manner as described in detail above with respect to step 250. But again, as noted above, it should be understood that while the description provided above with respect to step 250 pertains to one or more operations performed at mobile device 105, step 450 primarily pertains to operations initiated and/or performed by central machine 168. Accordingly, it can be appreciated that the one or more operation state(s) outputted by central machine 168 reflect the operation state(s) of mobile device 105 (for example, that the device is being used in a handheld state and/or that the device is being used by a driver). As noted in detail above with respect to step 250, the outputting of the operation state(s) can be further based upon one or more determination factor(s), such as one or more probabilities computed at step 430, which reflects the likelihood or degree of certainty that a user of mobile device 105 is a driver/passenger and/or that mobile device 105 is being used in a handheld/non-handheld state. As also noted in detail above, in certain arrangements the operation state of mobile device 105 can be outputted by central machine 168 to an external device or third-party, such as a law enforcement agency, insurance company, and/or other device 160, via communication interface 4150. Such functionality can be advantageous in jurisdictions where administrative regulations recommend and/or require that entities such as mobile communications providers provide information to law enforcement agencies that reflects the unauthorized usage of mobile devices such as mobile device 105 while the user of the device is driving. Similarly, such functionality can be advantageous to insurance companies when processing an insurance claim. Even in situations where the user of a mobile device, such as mobile device 105, is uncooperative in providing information to the insurance company, and/or in situations where the mobile device associated with an involved party is no longer available or has been destroyed, central machine 168 (which receives and retains the various pertinent notifications/inputs provided by the various devices such as mobile device 105) can output the necessary data, such as the operation state of mobile device 105, thereby assisting the insurance company to make necessary decisions regarding the validity of a particular insurance claim.

Turning now to FIG. 5, a flow diagram is described showing a routine 500 that illustrates an aspect of a method of determining a vehicle class of a vehicle using a first mobile device in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein. As will be described in greater detail below, determining the vehicle class of a particular vehicle can provide further insight and accuracy in the determination of an in-vehicle role of a user of a mobile device. In addition, it should be understood that the various steps and/or operations that make up routine 500 share substantial similarities to those described above in connection with FIGS. 2A-C and 3-4.

The process begins at step 510 where processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170, receives a first input from one or more of sensors 145, software modules 130, user interface 172, operating system 176, and/or communication interface 150.

Then, at step 520, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170, analyzes at least the first input to identify one or more vehicle determination characteristics within the first input. As will be described in greater detail below, vehicle determination characteristics are one or more aspects originating at and/or derived from an input that provide insight regarding the vehicle class within or upon which and/or in relation to mobile device 105 is traveling.

Upon identifying one or more vehicle determination characteristics based on the analysis of an input, at step 530 processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170, computes at least one determination factor based on the vehicle determination characteristic(s), such as a probability that the vehicle corresponds to a particular vehicle class.

Then, at step 550, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170, outputs a vehicle class based on the one or more determination factor(s), such as the probability or probabilities computed at step 530.

It should also be noted that, in certain arrangements, the processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170, can transform an operation state of mobile device 105 based in whole or in part on the determination factor(s), such as the probability computed at step 530. This operation can be further appreciated when employed in conjunction with a determination of an in-vehicle role of a user of mobile device 105, such as that depicted in FIGS. 2A-C and described in detail above. For example, in certain arrangements, upon determining (preferably to a certain minimum probability) that a mobile device 105 is traveling within a certain class of vehicle, there can be little need to further determine the in-vehicle role of the user of the device 105 (e.g., if the vehicle is an airplane, all device usage can be prohibited, irrespective of a particular user's in-vehicle role). By way of further example, in other arrangements, a transformation (substantially similar to that described in detail above with respect to step 240) can be employed based upon both the computed probability that mobile device 105 is traveling in a car, together with the computed probability (such as that described in detail above with respect to step 230) that the in-vehicle role of a user of mobile device 105 is a driver. In such a scenario, processor 110 can coordinate various transformations and/or adjustments to the operation(s) of mobile device 105, as described in detail above with respect to step 240. As also noted above, in certain arrangements various of the referenced transformations can be employed only when either one or both of the probabilities pertaining to the vehicle class within which mobile device 105 is traveling and/or the in-vehicle role of the user of mobile device 105 is a driver meet and/or exceed a certain minimum threshold.

It can be appreciated that the physical properties of the interiors of vehicles of different vehicle classes tend to be different from those of other vehicle classes. Accordingly, in certain implementations, various physical properties (e.g., interior height, width, volume, varying signal absorption and reflections at different frequencies, etc.) of different vehicle classes (e.g., bus vs. car, train vs. car) can be processed/compared to determine the vehicle class that a mobile device is present within, together with and/or without various other vehicle class determination techniques, such as those described herein and/or known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, one or more of a device's speakers can be used to emit one or more sounds (e.g., having a certain frequency, length, volume, etc.) (and/or signals at other frequencies, e.g., RF) and one or more of the device's microphones can be used to hear/perceive such sounds and/or the echoes thereof as the sounds emitted reflect off the objects and structure inside the vehicle (and whose flight time can be longer than the time it takes to travel from the device speaker to the device microphone).

For example, the time it takes for an echoed sound emitted by a device's speakers to be perceived by the device's microphones is relatively smaller for cars (generally having a shorter distance to sides and ceiling) than for buses (generally having a longer distance to sides and ceilings) or the total energy of the echoes returned to the device will tend to be larger for cars than for trains because of their smaller volume. In another example, the sounds emitted are chosen to be ones that tend to reflect better (or worse) off car interiors than off train interiors so that, by measuring the time and/or energy of the echoes returned, the vehicle class can be more accurately identified.

In another embodiment, the sound echoing technique described herein can also be used to better determine whether a device is present within a vehicle or whether a device (and/or its user) is present outside a vehicle and/or engaged in another form of activity (with or without the use of various other trip detection and/or activity recognition techniques, such as those described herein or known to those of ordinary skill in the art).

In certain implementations, inputs originating from one or more motion sensors (e.g., accelerometer, gyroscope, etc.) of a device can be processed to determine the class of the vehicle within which the device is located (e.g., car, bus, train, etc.) and, based upon the determined vehicle class, one or more restrictions (and/or no restrictions) can be employed at/in relation to the device. For example, based on the difference between the rates and lengths of acceleration of different vehicle classes, it can be determined whether the pattern of acceleration that can be perceived based on various inputs originating from and/or determined with respect/in relation to a device (e.g., accelerometer, GPS, cellular, WiFi) reflects that the device is present within a train (e.g., the forward acceleration of a train is an order of magnitude lower than the forward acceleration of a car, while the length of sustained acceleration of a train is longer than that of a car), a policy of no restrictions is applied to the device on the premise that it is a passenger device (while different policies can be applied to those few devices of users who are train conductors, bus drivers etc.).

Turning now to FIG. 6, a flow diagram is described showing a routine 600 that illustrates an aspect of a method of determining a handheld state a mobile device in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein. As will be described in greater detail below, various of the steps and operations that make up routine 600 share substantial similarities to those described above in connection with FIGS. 2A-C, 3, 4, and 5. However, it should be understood that while at least FIG. 4 principally concerns determinations occurring at central machine 168, routine 600 is primarily directed to determinations performed at mobile device 105, as will be described in greater detail below.

The process begins at step 610 where processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170, receives a first input from one or more of sensors 145, software modules 130, user interface 172, operating system 176, and/or communication interface 150. Preferably, the first input originates from one or more identifying events that are perceptible to at least one of sensors 145, user interface 172, operating system 176, and/or communication interface 150. As described in detail above with respect to step 210, the first input originates from one or more identifying events that are perceptible to at least one of sensors 145, user interface 172, operating system 176, and/or communication interface 150 of mobile device 105, such as an acceleration input perceived by accelerometer 145A and/or a change in orientation input perceived by gyroscope 145B. It should be noted that in certain arrangements a series of inputs (such as a number of acceleration inputs over a certain period of time) and/or a combination of inputs (such as a number of acceleration inputs and orientation inputs over a period of time) are received, such as one or more inputs that reflect the incidence of shaking or vibration at mobile device 105.

Then, at step 620, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170, analyzes at least the first input to identify one or more handheld state characteristics within the notification. As described in detail above with respect to step 420, handheld state characteristics are one or more aspects originating at and/or derived from one or more input(s) that provide insight regarding the handheld state of a mobile device, such as mobile device 105, such as whether mobile device 105 is being operated by a user in a handheld or non-handheld state. For example, various orientations and/or sudden changes perceived by gyroscope 145B (preferably, in certain scenarios, in combination with one or more inputs from various other sensors 145 such as accelerometer 145A, GPS 145C, and/or magnetometer 145E) can indicate that mobile device 105 is being operated in a handheld state by a user. By way of further example, a relatively constant pattern of inputs from accelerometer 145A and/or gyroscope 145B can indicate that mobile device 105 is positioned in a relatively stable manner, thus indicating that it is being operated in a non-handheld state.

At step 630, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170, computes one or more determination factor(s), based on the handheld state determination characteristic(s), such as a probability that that the handheld state of mobile device 105 is handheld, or that the handheld state of mobile device 105 is non-handheld. By way of example, based on a series of accelerometer 145A and gyroscope 145B inputs, the pattern of which indicates ongoing vibration and/or movement, it can be computed that there is a high probability (e.g., greater than 90%) that mobile device 105 is being operated in a handheld state. This is because a user of handheld mobile device 105—and particularly a driver who is further distracted by his/her driving responsibilities—is liable to produce far more vibration/shaking that is perceptible by mobile device 105, especially as compared to a non-handheld device that is stationed in a dock, for instance. In any event, at step 630, such probabilities are computed, reflecting a probability that the handheld state of the mobile device 105 is handheld, and/or a probability that the handheld state of the mobile device 105 is non-handheld, in a manner substantially similar to that described in detail above with respect to steps 230 and 430. It should be understood that, as described in detail above, in certain arrangements the handheld state characteristics identified at step 620 can provide varying degrees of certitude as to the handheld state of mobile device 105. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that because ranges exist of a particular handheld state characteristic (such as device shake patterns), a probability that a handheld state of mobile device 105 is handheld/non-handheld preferably reflects a degree of certainty across such a probability spectrum, as described in detail above.

At step 650, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170, outputs one or more handheld states of mobile device 105 based on the one or more determination factor(s), such as the probability or probabilities computed at step 630, substantially in the same manner as described in detail above with respect to steps 250, 450, and 550. For example, if, at step 630, it is computed that it is 90% likely that mobile device 105 is being operated in a handheld state, at step 650 a notification can be provided at mobile device 105 indicating that it has been determined that the device is being so operated. In certain arrangements such a notification can further include a suggestion/instruction that the user of the device 105 refrain from further use of the device, in deference to regulatory guidelines. In other arrangements, the handheld state of mobile device 105 can be output to a third-party, such as a law enforcement agency, under appropriate circumstances. Additionally, as noted in detail above with respect to step 250, such outputting can, in certain arrangements, be contingent upon a certain minimum probability being computed (e.g., a 90% or greater probability that a mobile device 105 is operating in a handheld state), while in other arrangements the handheld state can be outputted across any and/or all degrees of probability.

Described herein in various implementations are techniques (including methods, systems, etc.) that are operative to improve the accuracy of various determinations, including determinations pertaining to whether a device is in a particular context (or not) and/or reducing the power consumed/expended (such as by the device) in order to make such determination(s). Such techniques can be advantageous, for example, in situations in which such determinations are to be made repeatedly over extended periods of time. It should be understood that, in certain situations, particular sources of information that may otherwise be considered/analyzed in order to make certain context-based determinations/decisions may not be available. For example, in various urban locations or in certain climatic conditions (e.g., during cloudy/stormy weather) GPS information may not be available, and such inputs are thus unavailable to be used in determining movement and/or speed by/in relation to a device. It can also be appreciated that usage of such sensors can consume substantial amounts of power at the device. As such, it can be advantageous (such as in circumstances in which one or more sensors/inputs are unavailable or unreliable) to employ determination techniques that use different/alternative sources of information (such as other sensors) in order to determine a context of the device.

FIG. 27 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both. At 2705, one or more power charging aspects can be determined, such as in relation to a user device. At 2710, the one or more power charging aspects can be processed. In doing so, a context of the user device can be determined. At 2715 one or more operations can be initiated. In certain implementations, such operations can be initiated based on the context. Moreover, in certain implementations, such operations can be initiated in relation to the user device.

FIG. 28 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both. At 2805, one or more indications can be received. In certain implementations each of the one or more indications can correspond to a perception of one or more access points. Moreover, in certain implementations each of the one or more indications can be associated with an operational context of a device. At 2810, the one or more indications can be processed. In certain implementations, such indications can be processed in order to determine one or more characteristics associated with one or more respective perceptions of at least one of the one or more access points. At 2815, the one or more characteristics can be associated with one or more operational contexts. At 2820, one or more operations can be initiated. In certain implementations, such operations can be initiated based on a determination of at least one of the one or more characteristics in relation to a user device. Moreover, in certain implementations such operations can be initiated in relation to the user device based on at least one of the one or more operational contexts.

FIG. 29 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both. At 2905, one or more operational characteristics of a device can be identified. At 2910, one or more contextual determination methods can be selectively employed, such as in relation to the device. In certain implementations, such determinations can be employed based on the operational characteristics. At 2915, an inapplicability of at least one of the one or more contextual determination methods can be determined, such as in relation to the device. In certain implementations such an inapplicability can be determined based on at least one of the operational characteristics.

FIG. 30 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both. At 3005 one or more indications can be received. In certain implementations, each of the one or more indications can correspond to a perception of one or more access points, such as in relation to a user device. In certain implementations, at least one of the one or more indications can include one or more locations, such as those corresponding to the at least one of the one or more access points. At 3010, the one or more indications can be processed, such as in relation to one or more access point records. In doing so, one or more characteristics of at least one of the one or more access points can be determined. In certain implementations, the one or more characteristics can include (a) nomadic or (b) stationary. In certain implementations, the one or more locations can be processed, such as in order to determine a locational variability, such as with respect to the at least one of the one or more access points. In certain implementations, the locational variability can include a difference between (a) a location associated with a connection to the at least one of the one or more access points and (b) a location associated with a disconnection from the at least one of the one or more access points. At 3015, a context of the user device can be determined. In certain implementations, such a context can be determined based on the one or more characteristics. In certain implementations, the context can include at least one of: (a) within a vehicle, (b) not within a vehicle, (c) within a trip, or (d) not within a trip. In certain implementations, it can be determined that the user device is at least one of (a) not within a vehicle or (b) not within a trip, such as based on a determination that the user device perceived a stationary access point throughout a chronological period. In certain implementations, a context of the user device can be determined, such as based on the locational variability.

FIG. 31 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both. At 3105 one or more indications can be received. In certain implementations, each of the one or more indications can correspond to a perception of one or more access points, such as in relation to a user device. At 3110, the one or more indications can be processed, such as in order to determine a variability with respect to the one or more indications. In certain implementations, the variability can include a quantity of distinct access points perceived during a chronological period. At 3115, a context of the user device can be determined, such as based on the variability.

FIG. 32 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both. At 3205 one or more indications can be received. In certain implementations, each of the one or more indications can correspond to a perception of one or more access points, such as in relation to a user device. At 3210, the one or more indications can be processed, such as in order to determine a quantity of access points perceptible to the user device. At 3215, a context of the user device can be determined, such as based on the quantity. In certain implementations, the context can include (a) an urban location or (b) a rural location. At 3220, a trip determination threshold can be selected, such as with respect to the user device. In certain implementations, the trip determination threshold can be selected based on the context.

FIG. 44 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both. At 4405 one or more indications can be received, each of the one or more indications corresponding to a perception of one or more access points in relation to a user device. At 4410, the one or more indications can be processed, such as to determine one or more characteristics of at least one of the one or more access points. At 4415, a context of the user device can be determined, such as based on the one or more characteristics. At 4420, one or more characteristics can be associated with one or more operational contexts. At 4425, one or more operations can be initiated, such as based on a determination of at least one of the one or more characteristics in relation to a user device. In certain implementations, the one or more operations can be initiated in relation to the user device based on at least one of the one or more operational contexts. At 4430, a trip determination threshold can be selected with respect to the user device, such as based on a context.

FIG. 45 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both. At 4505 one or more inputs associated with a user device can be processed, such as to determine one or more mobility characteristics of the user device. At 4510, a context of the user device can be determined, such as based on a determination that the one or more mobility characteristics comprise mobile operation and do not comprise operation consistent with walking.

FIG. 46 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both. At 4605 an indication can be received, corresponding to a perception of a nomadic access point in relation to a user device. At 4610, a quantity of devices with respect to which the nomadic access point is perceptible can be determined. At 4615, a context of the user device can be determining, such as based on the quantity.

By way of illustration, various techniques described herein can pertain to determinations as to whether or not a device is present/operational ‘within a vehicle’ (e.g., a moving vehicle) and/or ‘within a trip’ (e.g., a trip within a moving vehicle) (it should be noted that such terms can be used interchangeably). In doing so, various aspects of the power consumed/expended by a device (such as in order to make one or more of the referenced determinations) can be reduced. Moreover, one or more of the referenced techniques can also be implemented to determine or otherwise detect other contexts while consuming/expending relatively less power, e.g., determining the in-vehicle role of a user of a particular device, whether or not a device is present within a class or on school grounds, what mode/class of transportation/vehicle the device is present within (e.g., car, train, bus, bicycle, walking, etc.), whether or not the user is a vulnerable road user, and more.

In one implementation, information related to one or more aspects of the battery and/or the power consumption of a device (e.g., whether the device is connected to power, the voltage across the battery of the device, the charge level and/or the battery temperature level of the battery of the device) and/or changes thereto over time (e.g., variability), can be used to determine whether the device is in a vehicle.

For example, being that device batteries are likely to charge relatively less quickly when connected to power within a vehicle than such batteries charge when plugged into a wall outlet (in light of the generally lower amperage of car chargers as compared to wall chargers), a determination that the charge level of a battery that is connected to power is increasing relatively slowly can indicated an increased likelihood that the device is present within a vehicle.

Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced technique(s) can also incorporate aspects relating to the power being consumed by the device (e.g., in order to operate). For example, with respect to a device that is connected to a power source and whose battery level is increasing relatively slowly and is not consuming/expending significant amounts of power (that might otherwise account for such a relatively slow battery level increase, such as applications running, screen state, GPS, Bluetooth, WiFi etc., sensors sampled), it can be determined that such a device is relatively likely to be present within a vehicle (rather than being connected to a wall outlet). In yet further implementations, such technique(s) can further incorporate various comparisons and/or machine learning techniques with respect to characteristics pertaining to the battery of a device (e.g., in relation to the performance/operation of the specific battery and/or the specific device and/or across a population of identical and/or similar/comparable model batteries and/or devices over time).

In certain implementations a variability in the rate at which a battery charges can be used to determine a context in which a device is operating (e.g., within a vehicle). Such determinations can be made based on the variability in the rate at which the battery of a device charges, as a device that is connected to a car charger is relatively more likely to display a relatively more variable battery charge rate than a device connected to a wall outlet.

In another implementation, one or more aspects of a context within which a device is present/operating can be determined based on the voltage across a battery of the device and/or changes thereto. Such determinations can be made, for example, based on the fact that the voltage across a battery of a device that is connected to a car charger is likely to exhibit relatively more variability than that of a device connected to a wall outlet. In another example, various determinations can be performed in order to identify/distinguish between various types of power charge sources such as solar battery chargers and fixed wall chargers, based on the variability of the power from such sources (e.g., a power source providing a relatively smaller current, a relatively more variable current, and/or a current having a relatively more variable voltage, can be determined to be relatively more likely to be present within a vehicle, and vice versa) that they are able to provide to the device battery.

In another implementation, various determinations pertaining to the context within which a device is present/operating (e.g., within a vehicle) can be achieved based on the temperature of a battery of the device. Moreover, and changes in such temperature(s) can be used to determine one or more contexts of the device (e.g., whether the device is within a vehicle). Such determination(s) can be made, for example, in light of the fact that the temperature of a device that is connected to a car charger is likely to exhibit different characteristics (e.g., more extreme temperatures) than those exhibited by/observed in relation to a device connected to a wall outlet.

Moreover, in certain implementations one or more determinations pertaining to a hands-free state of a device (e.g., where the device is positioned/held within a vehicle) can be made based on one or more aspects of the power connection status of the device. For example, it can be appreciated that a device that is connected to a power source is relatively more likely to be operated by a driver than by a passenger (in light of the fact that, for example, a vehicle is relatively more likely to have one or more a power connections that are compatible with a device operated by a driver, and the locations such power sources, such as a cradle/dock having a power connection, is relatively more likely to be positioned in closer proximity to a driver than a passenger, etc.).

In certain implementations, when a device is connected to a power source and its context (e.g., within a vehicle vs. outside of a vehicle, within school grounds vs. outside of school grounds, etc.) has been identified and/or can be determined, one or more further determinations can be made with respect to the ongoing state/status of such a device. For example, it can be determined that such a device is relatively likely to remain within or otherwise maintain the same/comparable context at least until the device is no longer connected to a power source. Accordingly, in certain implementations, having determined that a device is connected to a power source, one or more instance(s) (e.g., a “short burst”) of additional determination techniques (e.g., contextual determinations, such as those described herein), such as those that may entail higher or additional power consumption, can be initiated or otherwise employed. In doing so, a determination of the context within which a device is present/operating can be achieved initially (i.e., upon connecting the device to a power source) such that, having identified/determined such a context, various aspects of the power consumption of the device can be reduced (e.g., over the medium and long terms). For example, having determined that a particular device is connected to a power source, one or more sensors of the device (e.g., GPS, WiFi radio, cellular radio, Bluetooth radio, accelerometer, gyroscope, etc.) can be turned on/activated, such as for a period of time, in order to obtain/receive one or more inputs based upon which it can be determined whether the device is (or is not) present/operating within a vehicle. Based on a determination that the device is not present/operating within a vehicle, it can be further determined that the device is subsequently not present/operating within a vehicle as long as and/or at least until such time as the device is determined to no longer be connected to a power source (and/or connected to the power source with respect to which the device was initially connected). Based on a determination that the device is present/operating within a vehicle, it can be further determined that such a state/status is likely continue, and thus that that the device is to continue to be present/operating within the vehicle, at least until such time as is the device is determined to no longer be connected to a power source (and/or connected to the power source with respect to which the device was initially connected).

In certain implementations, the manner in which one or more determinations are made, such as with respect to the context of a device within a vehicle (e.g., trip start, trip end, vehicle class, in-vehicle role, in-vehicle location, etc., such as are described herein) can be further configured, modified, adjusted, etc., based on/with respect to whether or not the device can be determined to be (or has or has not recently been) connected to power (e.g., the various techniques that are used to compute the referenced determinations can be adjusted or changed based on whether a device is and/or isn't connected to power). For example, when a mobile device is connected to power, it may use its GPS radio more intensively (without depleting the device's battery), either directly and/or indirectly (e.g., by leveraging other OS processes or user processes that may do so), to help determine one or more contexts in which the mobile device is in (e.g., trip start, trip end, vehicle class, in-vehicle role, in-vehicle location, etc.).

It can be appreciated that one or more of the techniques described herein operate based on the assumption that power sources (with respect to which the various determinations are computed) are non-nomadic (i.e., that such power sources/supplies are fixed in a particular location). Accordingly, while in certain situations nomadic power sources/supplies can also be implemented (e.g., external batteries, portable power sources, etc.), the use of such nomadic power sources can be determined/detected and/or otherwise accounted for in a number of ways. For example, the usage of such nomadic power sources can be determined based on the level of current or voltage identified at the device/batter (and/or changes thereto), and/or via the magnetometer of the device (and/or changes thereto), and/or based on one or more movement patterns that can be identified as being consistent with the use of a heavier device, as can be determined based on one or more inputs originating from various motion sensors of the device (e.g., accelerometer, gyroscope). Additionally, such nomadic power sources are relatively less common and/or can entail various barriers to user adoption (e.g., cost, size, weight, being cumbersome, etc.). Moreover, one or more of the referenced determinations can be accumulated/maintained over time, such as with respect to a particular device, a user/user account associated with a device, etc. As such, a device and/or a user/user account that has been determined (such as on an ongoing basis) to utilize a nomadic power supply, the referenced techniques (which, for example, determine a context of a device based upon a power connection state/status of the device) can be utilized relatively more selectively and/or not at all with respect to such devices.

In certain implementations, based on a determination that a device is connected to a power source, a scan of WiFi access points that are perceptible to the device can be initiated or otherwise performed, such as at one or more intervals. In doing so, the number/quantity of and/or identities (e.g., service set identifiers or ‘SSIDs’) associated with WiFi access points that are subsequently perceptible at the device can be compared to an initial/previous number/quantity of and/or identities associated with WiFi access points perceptible at the device. In doing so, a determination can be made with respect to whether or not (and/or when) the device is moving, such as is described in greater detail herein. For example, in a scenario where access points A, B and C are perceptible at a device, and at a subsequent time only access points D, E and F are visible, it can be determined that it is relatively likely that the device has moved (on account of the changing identities of the access points perceptible at the device).

Moreover, scenarios can arise whereby, at one time/interval there were no (or relatively fewer) access points perceptible, and at a later interval there are one (or relatively few new/additional) access points visible. It can be appreciated that, in such scenarios, determinations pertaining to whether the device has moved may be relatively less accurate (in light of the fact that a single newly perceived access point may have just been turned on despite the fact that the device remains stationary). Accordingly, in certain implementations one or more timestamp(s) contained/embedded within the access point beacon can be used to determine an uptime of the access point. Based on a determination that the uptime of the access point is relatively low, it can be further determined that the access point is likely to have been turned on relatively recently and the referenced change(s) with respect to the perception of various access point(s) under such circumstances may thus not provide accurate determinations with respect to the movement of the device. However, based on a determination that the uptime of the access point is relatively high, the referenced change(s) with respect to the perception of various access point(s) can provide relatively accurate determinations with respect to movement of the device, as described herein.

In certain implementations, the context within which a device is present/operating (e.g., within a car vs. at an office vs. at home) can be determined in relation to various aspects of the power connectivity/connection associated with the device, by using one or more machine learning techniques (as are known to those of ordinary skill in the art) to identify, such as over time, one or more patterns, properties, and/or characteristics associated with various power sources/chargers that the device connects to and/or associating such patterns, properties, and/or characteristics with one or more contexts. That is, it can be appreciated that many users can utilize different power sources/chargers in different locations (e.g., a USB charger at work, a cigarette lighter charger in the car and a wall charger at home). Such power sources can have different electrical properties (current, voltage, etc.) that can be perceived at/in relation to the device (e.g., USB charger in the office may charge the battery of a particular device at 240 mAh, thereby charging the battery at a rate of 0.2%/minute, while a car charger may charge the battery at 600 mAh, thereby charging the battery at a rate of 0.5%/minute, and an AC wall charger at home may charge the battery at 1200 mAh, thereby charging the battery at a rate of at 1%/minute. Accordingly, for example, based on one (or more determinations) that the battery of the device is being charged at a rate of 0.5%/minute concurrent with or otherwise chronologically proximate to a time with respect to which such a device can also be determined to be present/operating within a vehicle (such as a moving vehicle), it can be further determined, with respect to the connection of such a device to a power source and charging of the battery of the device at a rate of 0.5%/min, that such characteristics/aspects indicate that it is relatively likely that the device is present/operating within a vehicle.

In certain implementations, one or more connectivity state(s) of the device can be used to determine whether or not the device is present/operating within a vehicle. For example, based on a determination that the device is connected to a WiFi access point, the performance of various power consuming operations (that might otherwise be performed by/in relation the device, such as using the GPS of the device to determine whether the device is moving) can be avoided and/or limited (such as by performing such operations less frequently). Moreover, the device can continue to operate in such a fashion (i.e., avoiding/limiting the use of such operations) until the referenced WiFi connection is terminated (and/or shortly thereafter). It can be appreciated that, in light of the fact that relatively few vehicles have WiFi access points, an ongoing connection to a WiFi access point can indicate that the device is relatively unlikely to be in a vehicle. Moreover, in certain implementations, based on a determination that a device is/is not connected to a Wifi AP, it can be determined that such a device is not/is present within a vehicle (such as a moving vehicle). Moreover, in certain implementations, one or more operations can be initiated, such as with respect to the device (e.g., employing, modifying, removing various restrictions that are employed with respect to the operation of the device).

Moreover, in certain implementations one or more of the technologies described herein can incorporate one or more machine learning techniques, such as with respect to the WiFi access points that are perceptible to a particular device. In doing so, one or more determinations can be made, such as with respect to whether (a) an access point is static/stationary (e.g., within a home, office, etc.), as can be determined, for example, based on one or more perceptions of such WiFi access points by the device concurrent with and/or in chronological proximity to one or more determinations that indicate that the device is unlikely to be moving, or (b) an access point is dynamic/mobile (e.g., within or on a car, train, bus, etc.) based on one or more perceptions of such WiFi access points by the device concurrent with and/or in chronological proximity to one or more determinations that indicate that the device is likely to be moving. The referenced determinations can be made, for example, by measuring the one or more aspects of the motion(s) that can be perceived by/in relation to the device (based on one or more inputs that can originate, for example, from information/sources such as GPS, cellular IDs, cellular RSSI, WiFi Ids, Wifi RSSI, accelerometer, gyroscope, etc.) concurrent with and/or in relatively close proximity to one or more determinations that the device is connected to (or is otherwise able to perceive or “hear” without necessarily being connected to) a WiFi access point (or through the use of a third-party database of Wifi access points, such as Skyhook, based upon which and/or in relation to which such determinations can be made).

Moreover, the context within/in relation to which a device is present/operating (e.g., whether a trip, such as in a vehicle, has commenced, whether the device is within a moving vehicle, whether the device is with a user walking, the vehicle class of a vehicle, etc.) can be determined based on various determinations/identifications. For example, in certain implementations, based on (a) a determination that a device is connected to a power source, and (b) a determination that one or more wireless (WiFi), Bluetooth, cellular, etc., signals (such as those originating from a WiFi access point) and/or one or more inputs originating at one or more sensors (e.g., accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, proximity, pressure, light, camera, microphone, etc.), are changing (e.g., changing above a certain threshold/degree of change) (e.g., different WiFi access point BSSIDs are determined to be coming into/out of view, cell tower signal strengths are determined to be changing more than a certain amount, etc.), it can be determined that the device is likely to be within a moving vehicle. Moreover, it can be determined that the device is relatively less likely to be in certain types of moving vehicles (e.g., bicycle, elevator) because devices are relatively less likely to be connected to power in such situations. In addition, upon determining that a device is connected to a power source, one or more of the various determination techniques described herein (such as those pertaining to aspects of the power connectivity and/or power consumption of a device) can be employed. In doing so, such determinations with respect to the context of the device can be utilized to conserve power (e.g., by deactivating, utilizing relatively less frequently and/or in a different way, and/or not utilizing at all, one or more sensors, functions, and/or operations of the device, such as those that consume power, based on the determined context of the device). Such functionality can be advantageous even when a device is connected to a power source (e.g., an AC outlet) because a user may only have a limited amount of time to charge his/her device and utilizing relatively less power can enable the battery to charge more quickly.

Additionally, in certain implementations (including in scenarios where a device may or may not be connected to power), based on (a) a determination that one or more wireless (WiFi), Bluetooth, cellular, etc., signals (such as those originating from a WiFi access point) are changing (e.g., changing above a certain threshold/degree of change) (e.g., different SSIDs are determined to be coming into/out of view, signal strengths are determined to be changing more than a certain amount, etc.), and (b) a determination that the device is not moving in a manner consistent with one or more activity types and/or vehicle classes (e.g. the device is determined to be moving in a manner consistent with a user walking, a user bicycling, a user riding an elevator, etc.) and/or in the absence of a determination that the device is moving in a manner consistent with such one or more activity types and/or vehicle classes (as can be determined, for example, in the case of user walking, using various pedometric determination techniques, as are known to those of ordinary skill in the art, or in the case of a user in an elevator, for example, using a pressure sensor on the device to determine a relatively significant change in pressure over a relatively short time and/or distance), it can be determined that the device is likely to be present in conjunction with certain activity types and/or within certain vehicles classes types. In making such determinations based on the referenced factors (e.g., changes pertaining to WiFi access points), a determination that a device is, for example, present within a moving vehicle, can be made even without the use of the device's GPS (which can otherwise entail considerable battery discharge).

It should be noted that the utilization of techniques that enable the determination of the activity being performed and/or the vehicle class being used by eliminating (or otherwise determining a relatively low likelihood of) certain types of activities or vehicles (i.e., via a ‘process of elimination’) can, in certain scenarios, enable relatively more effective and/or efficient determination as to which activity is being performed and/or vehicle class is being used than afforded through the use of ‘positive’ or affirmative activity or vehicle class identification/determination techniques. As in the above example, it can be relatively easier/efficient, more accurate, require less power, and/or faster to determine that it is relatively likely that a device is in a moving vehicle by determining that the device is not present with a user walking, than by affirmatively determining that the device is relatively likely to be present within a moving vehicle (e.g., based on a determination that its spectral frequency is within a certain range, etc., as described herein). For example, based on a determination a device is connected to a power source, it can be further determined (even without having to use any additional battery power) that the device is relatively unlikely to be with a user who is walking or cycling. For example, determining that the device is not present with a user who is walking can be achieved by sampling an accelerometer and/or gyroscope for signs/indications/patterns of walking, which can be done at a relatively lower sampling rate (thereby consuming less battery power) than otherwise required to determine that the device is present within a moving vehicle.

In certain implementations, based on a determination that a user/device has moved more than a certain distance (e.g., more than a distance that could otherwise be attributed to GPS ‘noise,’ even if not moving), such as within a certain period of time, and further based on a determination that the device has not been operating in a manner that can be determined to be sufficiently consistent to walking (such as within the referenced period), the user/device can be determined to be present within a moving vehicle.

It should be noted that the various techniques described herein (including the referenced ‘negative’ or ‘reverse’ determinations that are based on one or more determinations of context(s) that a device is not present with respect to) can be employed in order to make any number of determinations, including but not limited to: activity determination(s), vehicle movement determination(s), and/or vehicle class determination(s). In doing so, such determinations can be achieved even in scenarios/situations where determination-related ‘blind spots’ might otherwise be present, such as in scenarios where GPS signals are not available or otherwise reliable (e.g., in tunnels, underground garages, cities with tall buildings, indoors, inclement weather, etc.).

It should also be noted that the various techniques described herein can also enable the identification/determination of vehicles moving at practically any speed (in contrast to otherwise waiting for the vehicle to reach a speed at which it can be determined that an unaided human cannot reasonably travel in order to affirmatively determine that a device is present within a moving vehicle). In employing such techniques, it can be determined that a device is present within a moving vehicle even in a scenario where the vehicle is moving at a relatively slow speed.

Additionally, upon identifying/determining that a device is present within a moving vehicle, it can be further determined that such a device is no longer present within a moving vehicle upon identifying/determining that the device is present in conjunction with ‘walking.’ (It should be noted that the terms ‘walking,’ user walking,′ etc., as used herein are intended to encompass any and/or all forms of unaided human movement, such as walking, running skipping, etc.)

Accordingly, it can be appreciated that employing one or more of the referenced techniques can enable determination(s) of one or more activities, operations, presence of a device within a moving vehicle, vehicle class(es), etc., without the use of GPS. In addition, in various implementations, the GPS of a device can, for example, be utilized only when other signals are not sufficiently strong, clear, accurate, etc., and/or to confirm the accuracy of such other determinations.

It should be further noted that, in certain implementations, one or more determinations can be made with respect to vehicle class based on the perception/identification of one or more RF devices (e.g., WiFi APs, BT devices, etc.) that are in proximity of/present within the vehicle. In order to do so, for example, the identity (e.g., BSSID, SSID, MAC address, etc.) of the RF device can be used to determine a likelihood of a particular vehicle class (with respect to which the device is present). In doing so, it can be detected/determined that the device is present within a moving vehicle (such as in the manner described herein). An identity of one or more related/comparable/similar RF devices can be identified/determined, such as based on/in relation to a database that can maintain identities of various RF devices and their respective associated vehicle classes (as determined, for example, based on inputs originating at one or more sensors of various devices, such as in the manner described herein). Moreover, one or more determinations (e.g., of a vehicle class) can be made based on similar, related, and/or comparable (even if not identical) RF device identity information, such as that stored/maintained in such a database. For example, in a scenario where a first BSSID of a WiFi AP is close/similar/comparable/related to another BSSID of another WiFi AP that is identified/has been determined to be in a public bus, the first BSSID can be determined to be likely to be operating in relation to a bus, too (in light of the fact that bus corporations tend to purchase in bulk and are relatively likely to receive successively/closely numbered devices). For example, if a data value of an RF device, like a WiFi AP's SSID, is an SSID identified/determined to be used in a public train (e.g., “AmtrakConnect”), then it can be determined, with respect to another RF device having the same SSID or a similar/comparable SSID (e.g., “AmtrakConnect2”) that such a device with the same/comparable SSID is also on a public train. It should be noted that potential errors in such determinations that may arise can be corrected by using one or more techniques (such as those described herein) to validate the determined vehicle class in relation to such RF devices. Additionally, the RF devices operating in relation to vehicles in certain vehicles classes (e.g., buses, trains) are relatively likely to be perceived by multiple mobile devices simultaneously and over time than, for example, in a car. As such, one or more determinations as to the class of a vehicle can be made based on the relative quantity of devices that perceive such an RF device simultaneously and/or over time. Thus, the greater the number of devices determined to simultaneously and/or over time perceive a particular RF device, the relatively more likely it is that such devices are present within certain types of “mass” vehicle classes (e.g., train, bus, etc.). Moreover, such RF device(s) can be associated with a particular vehicle class on that basis, and/or using one or more techniques such as those described herein.

The accuracy of such determinations can be further improved over time. For example, observing the same and/or similar changes with regard to certain access points—such as during a trip—multiple times, can further confirm that subsequent comparable observations can also be determined to be occurring during a trip. It should also be noted that the accuracy of the referenced determinations can be further improved based on a determination that the referenced signals (e.g., those originating from WiFi access points, etc.) originate from a nomadic and/or non-nomadic source, as determined, for example, using one or more of the techniques described/referenced herein. Moreover, in scenarios where the various wireless, etc., signals are not available (or cannot otherwise be relied upon), the GPS can be utilized, alone or in conjunction with other signals and/or sensors), to determine whether the device is present within a moving vehicle, etc. It should also be noted that one or more additional determinations can be made (e.g., upon determining that a device is within a moving vehicle), such as with regard to the type of vehicle that the device is in (e.g., car, boat, train, bus, etc.), such as in the manner described herein.

In addition, in certain implementations one or more determinations can be made with respect to the characterization and/or classification of various WiFi access points (such as stationary/static/fixed/non-nomadic or mobile/dynamic/nomadic). Such determinations can be made, for example, based on (a) information accumulated/stored by/in relation to a device (such as over time), (b) information accumulated by/in relation to multiple devices (i.e., ‘crowd-sourced’) (such as over time), (c) based on information contained/identified within various WiFi broadcasts (reflecting, for example, the manufacturer, model, etc., of an access point), as can be identified, for example, based on one or more comparisons with one or more databases (as can be stored on the device and/or remotely) that contain data pertaining to which manufacturers, models, etc. are likely to be utilized in stationary/static/fixed/non-nomadic or mobile/dynamic/nomadic contexts, and/or (d) in conjunction with third party services.

In another implementation, one or more of the contextual determinations described herein can be further configured to operate based on/in relation to a premise/default/assumption that a device is not present/operating within a vehicle based on a determination that such a device is connected to an access point that can be determined to be non-nomadic access point (i.e., an access point that can be determined to have a relatively fixed location and/or whose location is not determined to change relatively regularly). Examples of such a non-nomadic/stationary access point can include a WiFi access point in an office network (in contrast to an in-vehicle WiFi access point or a mobile device that can serve as a WiFi access point, a such devices can be determined to be mobile).

It should be noted that, in certain implementations, the manner in which a particular access point, such as a WiFi access point, can be determined to be non-nomadic/stationary can be achieved in a number of ways. For example, in certain implementations the nomadicity (that is, the nomadic/non-nomadic state/status) of an access point can be determined based on/in relation to a database (local or remote) that can maintain information pertaining to various access points, and/or that contains respective classifications of such access points, such as in relation to the nomadic/stationary and/or non-nomadic/mobile characteristics/properties of such access points (e.g., BSSIDs). Such a database can be built/compiled, for example, based on the results of various nomadic/non-nomadic determinations that can be performed with respect to various access points, such as is described herein (with respect to individual devices and/or accumulated across devices, such as via ‘crowd-sourcing,’ and/or utilizing a third party database of WiFi access points, such as Skyhook, that can provide the referenced nomadic/non-nomadic information/determinations, or, based on a determination that, by virtue of the method with respect to which information pertaining to such WiFi access points was collected/gathered, that the referenced WiFi access point records/entries pertain to non-nomadic access points.

Moreover, in certain implementations the nomadicity of a an access point can be determined by querying/looking up the referenced access point within a database (local or remote) that maintains associations of the context within which the device is present/operating with an identifier of the WiFi access point (e.g., a BSSID) that is the device is/was connected to. Such a database can be generated based on the results of one or more determinations that pertain to the context within which a device is present/operating in relation to the access point to which the device is connected, as described herein (both with respect to individual devices and/or accumulated across devices, such as via ‘crowd-sourcing,’ and/or may be a third party database of access points that provides such information. For example, based on a determination that on multiple instances a device was connected to a particular WiFi access point and was also determined not to be present/operating within a vehicle, then upon subsequently determining that the device is again connected to the same WiFi access point, it can be determined that the device is again relatively likely t not to be present/operating within a vehicle.

Additionally, in certain implementations, one or more of the referenced determinations can also incorporate and/or otherwise consider aspects pertaining to BSSID, Beacon, and/or WPS transmissions. For example, based on one or more of such items the identity of the manufacturer of the WiFi access point to which the device is connected can be identified. By way of illustration, a BSSID of an access point can be used to identify the manufacturer. And, having identified the manufacturer, such an identity can be used to further increase the accuracy of the referenced determination(s). For example, in a scenario where the BSSID of the WiFi access point to which a device is connected is that of a manufacturer that makes mobile phones, it can be determined that there is a relatively greater likelihood that such an access point is nomadic. Moreover, based on such a determination the context of such a device can be further analyzed/checked (i.e., rather than solely relying on the connection of the device to the referenced access point in order to determine the context of the device). For example, a WiFi access point having a BSSID prefix of 40:A6:D9 is assigned to WiFi access points made by Apple and can thus be determined to be relatively likely to be an iPhone 4.

It should be noted that a database can also be utilized in cases/scenarios where a manufacturer produces both nomadic and non-nomadic devices, in light of the fact that such devices often have multiple prefixes and different prefixes can pertain to different devices. Moreover, with respect to a given BSSID prefix, the value of the BSSID suffix (i.e., the last 6 characters of the 12-character BSSID and which are generally assigned contiguously to similar/comparable devices), can be compared to such a database in order to further determine the nomadicity of such an access point.

Moreover, in certain implementations additional information (e.g., device type, model name, model number, etc.) pertaining to an access point can be obtained, such as from WPS (WiFi Protected Set-Up) information of the access point, and such information can be used with respect to determining the context and/or nomadicity of the access point. For example, with respect to manufacturer the produces both nomadic and non-nomadic WiFi access point under the same BSSID prefix, the model number of model name of the device (e.g. “Automotive WiFi Hot Spot” or “Enterprise AP with 1 GB bandwidth”) can be used in order to identify/determine whether the as access point is nomadic or non-nomadic and/or otherwise determine the context within which the device is present/operating.

Additionally, in certain implementations the nomadicity of an access point can be determined based on whether the device can be determined to be moving at the time it is also determined to be connected to the access point (such movement can be determined, for example, based on one or more inputs/sources such as GPS, cellular IDs, cellular RSSI, WiFi IDs, Wifi RSSI, accelerometer, gyroscope, etc., such as are described herein). In doing so, an access point can be characterized/classified as being nomadic based on a determination that the connected device was moving concurrent with and/or in relatively close chronological proximity to being connected to the referenced access point, while being characterized/classified as non-nomadic based on a determination that the device was not moving concurrent with and/or in close chronological proximity to being connected to the referenced access point. Moreover, as described herein, the context of the device (e.g., being mobile or stationary while connected to the access point) can be recorded in relation to the access point.

In other implementations, in addition to determining that a device is not present/operating within a vehicle based on a determination that the device is connected to an access point determined to be non-nomadic, a device can be positively/affirmatively determined to be present/operating within a vehicle based on a determination that the device is connected to an access point determined to be nomadic.

Moreover, with respect to access points having relatively higher power transmissions (and therefore cover larger geographic ranges), it can be appreciated that the connection of a device to such access point(s) can be relatively less indicative of the fact that the connected device is not present/operating within a vehicle (as opposed to access points having a relatively shorter transmission range). In such case(s)/scenario(s), one or more techniques (such as the RSSI technique) described herein can be utilized in order to make a determination regarding the nomadicity of the access point.

In certain implementations, one or more of the access points that are perceptible to the device (e.g., other than an access point that the device is connected to), such as while scanning with the WiFi radio of the device, can be analyzed to determine the context of the device. Moreover, in certain implementations the access point to which the device is connected (if it is so connected) can be classified as nomadic/non-nomadic and saved (locally and/or remotely) for future use (such as by this device and/or with other devices), such as using one or more techniques, such as those described herein. For example, in certain implementations an access point perceived by a device can be characterized/classified as nomadic/non-nomadic based on a query/identification of a database containing a record of such an access point (and/or a comparable access point based upon which such determination can be made) and/or by making such determination dynamically, such as based on information received/derived from the BSSIDs (e.g., manufacturer, model) and/or WPS information (e.g., model) of an access point. Thus, if a device can perceive one or more access points that are known or have been determined to be non-nomadic access points (such as over some period of time, in order to account for nomadic access points that may be perceptible to a moving device for relatively short periods of time), such a device can be further determined to be stationary/not in motion. Moreover, if the device can perceive one or more access points determined to be nomadic (such as over some defined period of time), such a device can be determined to be in motion.

By way of further example, in certain implementations one or more contexts associated with one or more of the access points that are perceptible to a device can be used to determine, with a certain degree of likelihood, the current context of the device. For example, in a scenario where, upon perceiving a particular access point (such as an access point located in the vehicle of another user, such as when such a user parks in a company parking lot), it can be determined that the device is not present/operating within a vehicle, upon subsequently perceiving the same access point, it can be further determined that the device is, again, not present/operating within a vehicle.

By way of yet further example, in certain implementations one or more other access points (e.g., those access points other than the one that the device is connected to) that are perceptible to the device can be analyzed, such as across successive/intermittent scans of the WiFi radio of the device, such as even in scenarios where the nomadic/non-nomadic characterization/classification of such access points may not yet be determined. Based on a determination that one or more of (e.g., the collection of) perceived access points across multiple/successive scans is substantially similar (and there are a relatively sufficient quantity of access points that are perceptible in such scans), then it can be further determined that the device is not moving. However, based on a determination that the collection of such perceived access points across multiple/successive scans is relatively dissimilar, it can be determined that the device is moving. Moreover, the accuracy of determinations achieved using such technique(s) can be increased/improved by analyzing the RSSIs of the perceived access points in the collection (as opposed to looking at the presence or lack thereof of each access point across multiple/successive scans. For example, in a scenario where multiple/successive scans are relatively close in time to one another and/or the device is moving relatively slowly, multiple/successive scans of perceptible access points using the WiFi radio of the device may demonstrate a substantially similar collection of access points, but if some of the referenced RSSI values have changed substantially, it can nevertheless be determined that the device is likely in motion.

In certain implementations, the speed at which a device is moving can be determined/estimated based on a determination of the distance between (a) the location of the device at the time that the WiFi radio of the device is used to perform a first access point scan (e.g., as determined from the known/determined locations of one or more of the BSSIDs, such as from a 3^(rd) party database such as Skyhook, and further using error minimization techniques to calculate the location of the device, such as based on the respective locations of each of the access points that are perceptible to the device with or without using the RSSIs of such access points as described herein, and (b) the location of the device at the time that the WiFi radio of the device is used to perform another access point scan, relative to the amount of time that elapsed between the two scans. It should be noted that such a technique can be implemented with more than two access point scans as well.

Moreover, in certain implementations the speed at which a device is moving can still be determined/estimated even without location information regarding (non-nomadic) WiFi access points. Such determination(s) can be achieved, for example, based on changes in the RSSI of the WiFi access points across multiple/successive scans. For example, an access point whose RSSI on a device changes from −30 dB to −90 dB over the course of a relatively short period of time (e.g., 1 second) can be determined to be relatively likely to be present/operating within a vehicle because, given the transmission range of WiFi access points, it is relatively unlikely that the device would be capable of moving at such a rate of speed without being present within a vehicle. However, with respect to an access point whose RSSI on a device changes from −30 dB to −31 dB over the course of a comparable time period can be determined to be unlikely to be present within a moving vehicle because, given the transmission range of (most) WiFi access points, a moving vehicle is relatively likely to experience a relatively larger change in the strength of the signal received than 1 dB, even over a relatively short period of time.

Moreover, in certain implementations, one or more techniques similar to those described herein with respect to access points such as WiFi access points can be employed with respect to determining a context within which a device is present/operating based on the Bluetooth (BT) connectivity state/status of such a device. For example, based on a determination that the device is connected to a nomadic BT device (e.g., a hands-free car loudspeaker), it can be determined that the device is present/operating within a vehicle. Moreover, based on a determination that the device is connected to a non-nomadic BT device (e.g., a desktop computer), it can be determined that the device is not present/operating within a vehicle. As described herein with respect to access points, a BT device (to which a device is connected) can be characterized/classified as nomadic/non-nomadic in a number of ways. For example, in certain implementations the nomadicity of a BT device can be determined based on/in relation to a database (local or remote) that can maintain information pertaining to various BT devices, and/or that contains respective classifications and/or characterizations of the nomadic/non-nomadic properties of various BT devices (BSSIDs). Such database can be built/compiled, for example, based on the results of one or more of the nomadic/non-nomadic determinations described herein, both with respect to individual devices and/or accumulated across devices (′crowd-sourcing′) and/or may be a third party database of BT devices that provides such nomadic/non-nomadic information.

Moreover, in certain implementations the nomadicity of a BT device can be determined by querying/looking up the referenced BT device within a database (local or remote) that maintains associations of the context within which the device is operating in relation to an identifier of the BT device (BSSIDs) that is the device was/is connected to. Such database can be generated/built based on the results of one or more determinations that pertain to the context within which a device is present/operating in relation to the BT device to which the device is connected, as described herein (both with respect to individual devices and/or accumulated across devices, e.g., via ‘crowd-sourcing,’ and/or may be a third party database of BT devices that provides such information. For example, based on a determination that on multiple instances a device was connected to a particular BT device and it was also determined not to be present/operating within a vehicle, then upon subsequently determining that the device is again connected to the same BT device, it can be determined that the device is again relatively likely not to be present/operating within a vehicle.

Additionally, in certain implementations, one or more of the referenced determinations can also incorporate and/or otherwise consider aspects pertaining to BSSIDs. For example, the identity of the manufacturer of the BT device to which the device is connected can be identified, such as is described herein. For example, the BSSID of a BT device can be used to identify its manufacturer. And, having identified the manufacturer, such an identity can be used to further increase the accuracy of the referenced determination(s). For example, in a scenario where the BSSID of the BT device to which the device is connected is determined to be that of a manufacturer that produces hands-free car loudspeakers, it can be determined that there is a relatively greater likelihood that the BT device is nomadic, whereas based on a determination that the BSSID of the BT device to which the device is connected is that of a manufacturer that produces desktop computers, it can be determined that there is a relatively greater likelihood that the BT device is non-nomadic.

It should be noted that a database can also be utilized in case(s)/scenario(s) where a manufacturer produces both nomadic and non-nomadic devices, in light of the fact that such devices often have multiple prefixes and different prefixes relate to different devices. Moreover, with respect to a given BSSID prefix, the value of the BSSID suffix (i.e., the last 6 characters of the 12-character BSSID and which are generally assigned contiguously to similar/comparable devices), can be compared to such a database in order to determine the nomadicity of such a BT device.

Moreover, in certain implementations one or more of the referenced determinations can also incorporate and/or otherwise consider aspects pertaining to beacon transmission(s) pertaining to various BT devices, such as by querying/looking up the device class (es) (major and minor) and/or services class(es) of a particular BT device. For example, if a device (e.g., a mobile device such as a smartphone) is connected to a hands-free BT device (having a BT major class of ‘Audio Video’ and a BT minor class of Hands-Free′), it can be determined that the device (that is, the mobile device) is relatively likely to be present/operating within a vehicle. Based on such a determination, one or more power consuming operations (that may have otherwise be performed, such as in order to determine the context of the device, e.g., using the GPS to determine if the device is moving) need not be performed (or can be performed relatively less often) until the BT connection is determined to have been terminated (and/or relatively shortly thereafter). Alternatively, based on a determination that a device is connected via BT to a desktop computer (having a BT major class of ‘Computer’ and a BT minor class of ‘Desktop’), the device can be determined to be relatively unlikely to be present/operating within a vehicle. Based on such a determination, one or more power consuming operations (that may have otherwise be performed, such as in order to determine the context of the device, e.g., by using the GPS to determine if the device is moving) need not be performed (or can be performed relatively less often) until the BT connection is determined to have been terminated (and/or relatively shortly thereafter).

Moreover, one or more of the referenced determinations can be made based on a determination that a device was moving at the time it is connected to the BT device (as determined, for example, based on GPS, Cell IDs, Cell RSSI, WiFi IDs, Wifi RSSI, accelerometer, gyroscope, etc., as described herein), and a characterization/classification of the BT device to which the device is connected as nomadic based on a determination that the device was moving while it was connected to the BT device (and non-nomadic if the device was determined not to be moving while it was connected to the BT device), and/or by recording or associating the determined context of the device with the BT device.

In another implementation, the BT device(s) that are perceptible to a device (such as a mobile device such as a smartphone) when scanning with its BT radio (other than the BT device that the device is connected to), can be used to determine the context of within which the device is present/operating (it should be understood that the referenced scans for BT devices can be made for discoverable and/or paired BT devices). Moreover, in certain implementations the BT device to which a device is connected (if it is so connected) can be characterized/classified as nomadic/non-nomadic, and such characterization/classification can be saved (locally or remotely) for future use (such as by the referenced device and/or by other devices). It should be understood that such determinations can be made in a number of ways. For example, in certain implementations the nomadicity of a device (such as a mobile device such as a smartphone) can be determined based on/in relation to the nomadic/non-nomadic characterization(s)/classification(s) of the BT devices it perceives (such as by identifying records/information corresponding to such BT devices within a database) and/or making such determinations dynamically based on one or more determinations with respect to one or more combinations of information corresponding to the manufacturers, major and minor classes and services of such BT devices. In doing so, based on a determination that a device perceives, for a relatively/sufficiently long period of time (e.g., in order to filter out/account for non-nomadic devices that a moving device may perceive for relatively short periods of time) one or more BT devices that have been determined to be nomadic, the referenced device can be determined to be in motion, whereas if the device perceives, for a sufficiently/relatively long period of time, one or more BT devices that have been determined to be non-nomadic, the device can be determined not to be in motion.

Moreover, in certain implementations the nomadicity of a device can be determined based on/in relation to how one or more of the BT devices that are perceptible to the device has/have been previously associated, such as with a particular context. In doing so, one or more determinations can be made with respect to the present context of the device. For example, based on one or more instances with respect to which a device perceives a particular BT device (e.g., the BT earpiece of another user) and also determines that the device is not present/operating within a vehicle, upon a subsequent perception by the device of the same BT device, it can be further determined that the device is (again) not present/operating within a vehicle (i.e., even without making such a determination affirmatively).

Moreover, in certain implementations the nomadicity of a device can be determined based on/in relation to an analysis of the collection of other BT devices (i.e., those BT Devices other than the one that the device is connected to) that the device perceives/“hears,” such as across successive scans of its BT radio, even if the nomadic/non-nomadic classification of such BT devices is not yet known. If the collection of BT devices across successive scans is determined to be substantially similar (and there are sufficiently many BT devices that are perceptible in such scans), then the device can be determined not to be moving. If, however, the collection of BT devices across successive scans is determined to be substantially dissimilar, then the device can be determined to be moving.

The accuracy of such a technique can be increased/improved based on an analysis of the RSSIs of the BT devices in the collection (e.g., rather than solely/primarily considering the Boolean existence/non-existence of each BT device in successive scans). For example, in a scenario where multiple/successive scans are sufficiently close in time and/or the device is moving relatively slowly, multiple/successive scans of BT devices using the device's BT radio may be determined to demonstrate a substantially similar collection of BT devices, however if some of the RSSI values can be determined to have changed substantially, the device can be determined to be likely to be in motion (i.e., relative to the BT devices).

In another implementation, the speed at which the device is moving can be determined/estimated by determining the distance between (a) the location of the device at the time that its BT radio is used to perform a first BT device scan (e.g., as determined based on the known locations of each of the (presumably non-nomadic) BSSIDs, such as from a third-party database, and using an error minimization technique to calculate the location of the device based on the respective locations of each of the BT devices perceived/“heard” with or without using the RSSIs of such devices, and (b) the location of the device at the time that its BT radio is used to perform a second or subsequent BT device scan, relative to the amount of time that elapsed between the two scans. It should be noted that this technique can be implemented with more than two BT device scans as well.

Moreover, even without location information regarding (non-nomadic) BT devices, the speed at which the device is moving can still be determined/estimated, such as based on the changes identified in the RSSI of the BT devices in multiple/successive scans. For example, a BT Device whose RSSI perceived on a device changes from −30 dB to −90 dB over the course of a short period of time (e.g., 100 milliseconds) can be determined to be likely to be in a vehicle because, given the transmission range of BT Devices, a human is generally un able to move the distance required to change the signal so much in such a short period of time, whereas a BT device whose RSSI on a device is determined to have changed from −30 dB to −31 dB over the course of the same time is relatively unlikely to be in a moving vehicle because, again, given the transmission range of (most) BT devices, a moving vehicle is likely to experience a much larger change in the strength of the signal received than 1 dB, even over a short period of time.

It can be appreciated that most, if not virtually all cell towers are non-nomadic. However, given that their transmission range is generally greater than that of WiFi access points, the fact that a device is connected to a cellular tower may provide relatively less specific context information than a device being connected to a WiFi access point. Nonetheless, information regarding the cell tower to which a device is connected can still be utilized to provide valuable information regarding the context of the device.

For example, if a device is determined to be connected to a cell tower that has been previously associated with a particular context, it can be determined, with a certain degree of likelihood, that the device is present within such context again. For example, it can be determined that a particular device will tend to be connected to a certain cell tower when the device is in the user's home and, generally, a different cell tower when the device is in the user's place of work. Accordingly, if a device is connected to either of these cell towers its context can be determined not to be within a vehicle and thus, if a device is presently connected to either one of them, it can be determined that the device is not present within a vehicle. The accuracy of this technique can be improved/enhanced by ‘learning’ (such as via machine learning techniques as are known to those of ordinary skill in the art) the RSSIs of cell towers for different contexts of the device (e.g., not within a vehicle, within a vehicle, etc.), so that, for example, determinations such as (for example): if a device is determined to be connected to Cell Tower 12345 in LAC 123 at an RSSI of between −90 DB and −80 DB, the device can be determined to be likely not to be in a vehicle, can be achieved.

In another implementation, the cell towers that can be perceived/“heard” by the device when scanning with its cellular radio (other than the one that the device is connected to) can be used to determine the context of the device. For example, based on a determination that a device can perceive/hear one or more cell towers that have been previously associated with a particular context, it can be determined, with at least a certain degree of likelihood, that the device is present in such context again. For example, it can be determined that a particular device will tend to be connected to a certain cell tower when the device is present in the user's home and, generally, a different cell tower when the device is present in the user's place of work. Accordingly, based on a determination that a device is connected to either of these cell towers, the context of the device can be determined not to be within a vehicle, and thus, based on a determination that a device is presently connected to either one of them, it can be determined that the device is not present within a vehicle.

Moreover, in certain implementations a context of the device can be determined based on an analysis of the collection/set of other cell towers (i.e., those cell towers other than the one that the device is connected to) that are perceptible to the device, such as across multiple/successive scans of its cellular radio. Based on a determination that the collection/set of cell towers that are perceptible to the device across multiple/successive scans is substantially similar (and there are sufficiently many cell towers that appear in such scans), then the device can be determined not to be moving. If, however, the collection/set of cell towers that that are perceptible to the device across multiple/successive scans is substantially dissimilar, the device can be determined to be moving.

The accuracy/resolution of such a technique can be improved/increased, for example, based on an analysis of the RSSIs of the cell towers in the set/collection (rather than only looking at the Boolean existence/non-existence of each cell tower in multiple/successive scans). For example, based on a determination that the successive scans are sufficiently close in time and/or the device is moving slowly, successive scans of cell towers (such as using the device's cellular radio) may show a substantially similar collection of cell towers, but if some of the RSSI values have changed substantially the device can be determined to be likely to be in motion.

In another implementation, the speed at which the device is moving can be determined/estimated by determining the distance between (a) the location of the device at the time that its cellular radio is used to perform a first cell tower scan (e.g., as determined from the known/identified/determined locations of each of the cell tower IDs, such as from a third party database, e.g., Skyhook, and using an error minimization technique to calculate the location of the device based on the respective locations of each of the cell towers perceived with or without using the RSSIs of such cell towers), and (b) the location of the device at the time that its cellular radio is used to perform a second cell tower scan, relative to the amount of time that elapsed between the two scans. It should be noted that such a technique can be implemented with more than two cell tower scans as well.

Even without location information regarding cell towers, the speed at which the device is moving can still be determined/estimated, such as based on the changes in the RSSI of the cell towers in successive scans. For example, a cell tower whose RSSI on a device changes from −30 dB to −90 dB over the course of a short period of time (e.g., 1 second) can be determined to be relatively likely to be present within a vehicle because, given the transmission range of cell towers, a human is not able to move the distance required to change the signal so much in such a short period of time, whereas a cell tower whose RSSI on a device changes from −30 dB to −31 dB over the course of the same time is relatively unlikely to be present within a moving vehicle because, given the transmission range of (most) cell towers, a device present within a moving vehicle is likely to perceive a relatively much larger change in the strength of the signal received than 1 dB, even over a relatively short period of time.

It should be noted that accuracy of the referenced in-vehicle/not-in-vehicle determination(s) can be further improved when performed in conjunction with other connectivity/“network visibility” information/determinations (e.g., in relation to BT devices, cellular IDs, cellular RSSIs, etc.) and/or from other sensors as described herein.

In another implementation, the conditions pursuant to which a device can be determined to be present within a moving vehicle can be dynamically determined, such as based on the device's environment, such as can be measured/determined by its sensors. For example, if many different WiFi access points (e.g., having different BSSIDs), many cell tower IDs (CIDs), and/or many Bluetooth devices are perceptible to a device, and/or if a GPS so indicates, it can be determined that the device is relatively likely to be present in an urban area, whereas if relatively few (or none) of the referenced wireless signals are perceptible, and/or if a GPS reading so indicates, it can be determined that the device is likely to be in a rural area, and, because vehicles generally move slower in urban areas than they do in rural areas, a threshold speed (or other conditions) at which a trip can be determined to have started (as described herein) can be set/adjusted to be relatively lower in such an urban setting as compared to a rural setting, thereby enabling more accurately determinations in relation to contexts where/when devices are present within vehicles.

Not only can it be determined that, if a device is connected to a non-nomadic AP (e.g., for more than a relatively short time), it can be determined not to be moving, but further determinations can also be performed. In doing so, for example, based on a determination that a device is connected to a nomadic AP it can be further determined that it is relatively more likely the device is moving than if it were (a) connected to a non-nomadic AP, (b) connected to an AP of unknown nomadicity; and/or (c) not connected to an AP. In certain implementations, such determinations can be premised based on an assumption/default that if a device is determined to be connected to a nomadic AP, it can be determined to be is moving. Moreover, in certain implementations, power/resources can be invested to determine, by way of one or more other sensors (e.g., GPS, accelerometer, gyroscope, cellular radio, etc.) whether or not the device is moving.

Moreover, in certain implementations, a device determined not to be in substantially the same location (e.g., as determined by GPS, WiFi APs, cell tower IDs, Bluetooth devices, IP address) (i) at or about the time it connected to an AP as it is determined to be (ii) at or about the time that the device disconnected from the same AP, can be determined to be connected to a nomadic AP. Moreover, in certain implementations, irrespective of whether or not a device is determined to be at substantially the same location (i) at the time it connected to an AP as it was (ii) at the time that it disconnected from the same AP, the nomadicity of such an AP can be determined, for example, via GPS, such as by comparing (i) the GPS coordinates of the referenced device's location at or about the time that the device connected to the WiFi AP with (ii) the GPS coordinates of the device's location at or about the time of the device's disconnection from the same WiFi AP. By way of further example, the nomadicity of such an AP can be determined, for example via WiFi, such as by comparing (i) one or more of the WiFi APs perceptible at the device at or about the time of the device's connection to one of the WiFi APs with (ii) one or more of the WiFi APs perceptible at the device at or about the time of the device's disconnection from the same WiFi AP. By way of further example, the nomadicity of such an AP can be determined, for example via Cell Tower ID, such as by comparing (i) the cell tower to which the device is connected (or more or more of the visible cell towers) at or about the time of the device's connection to the WiFi AP with (ii) the connected cell tower (or one or more sets of the perceptible cell towers) at or about the time of the device's disconnection from the same WiFi AP. By way of further example, the nomadicity of such an AP can be determined, for example via Bluetooth, such as by comparing (i) one or more of perceptible Bluetooth devices at or about the time of the device's connection to the WiFi AP with (ii) one or more of the visible Bluetooth devices at or about the time of the device's disconnection from the same WiFi AP. By way of further example, the nomadicity of such an AP can be determined, for example via IP address, such as by comparing (i) the IP address of the device shortly before the time of the device's connection to the WiFi AP with (ii) the IP address of the device shortly after/about the time of the device's disconnection from the same WiFi AP.

In addition to, or instead of, the previously described technique(s) (which encompass techniques for determining nomadic WiFi APs), a WiFi AP can be determined to be non-nomadic based on a determination that the location of the connected device at the time it was connected to the AP is substantially the same as its location at the time that it disconnected from the same AP.

In addition, the longer (shorter) the period of time between the connection and the disconnection (or the length of time that the device remains connected without disconnecting), such as in the above referenced scenarios, the greater the likelihood that the AP that the device was connected to was non-nomadic (nomadic). For example, a device determined to be continuously connected to an AP for 10 hours can be determined, on average, to be relatively more likely to be connected to a non-nomadic AP than a device determined to be connected to an AP for only 10 seconds.

It should be noted that the notion/concept/aspect of a ‘substantially same’ location (as referenced herein) can be determined, for example, relative to the transmission range of an AP. For example, it can be appreciated that certain APs can have a relatively wide transmission range (e.g., a WiMax AP), and in such a case it is possible that, even though the location at the time of connection and the location at the time of disconnection may be determined to be relatively far apart, the AP is actually non-nomadic. As such, in one implementation, the techniques described herein can be further configured to account for the AP's transmission range(s), as can be identified/determined, for example, from/based on the BSSID, manufacturer, etc., of the AP, and/or as can be determined from repetitive crowd-sourced connection/disconnection locations, such as using one or more of the techniques described herein. Using such techniques, WiFi APs can be determined to be nomadic or non-nomadic using “crowd-sourcing” techniques. For example, message(s) can be sent from user devices to a server indicating (a) time, (b) conditions (pertaining to GPS, WiFi, cellular, Bluetooth, IP addresses, etc.) at or near the time of connection to the WiFi AP, and (c) conditions at or near the time of disconnection from the WiFi AP. It should be noted that, in certain implementations, devices can also maintain and update nomadic/non-nomadic AP information locally.

It should be noted that similar/related techniques can be employed in order to determine whether other transmitters (e.g., Bluetooth devices, cellular stations, etc., and others currently existing or to be introduced in the future) are nomadic or non-nomadic.

In certain implementations, the state of the device's display screen, keyboard and/or the presence of a device user (as determined, for example, based on an absence/removal of a key-guard/lock on the interface of the device, proximity sensed, etc.) can be used to determine whether and/or how intensively (e.g., based on sampling rate, duty cycle, how much power can be consumed, etc.) device resources should be used to determine the context of the device (e.g., to determine if the device is present within a moving vehicle, determine the in-vehicle role of its user, etc.), and/or to provide other functionality, with or without taking into account the device's battery level, rate of battery level depletion, etc.

For example, if the device display screen is determined to be off (and/or applications with which the user can interact or receive information from even when the device screen is off (e.g., an already connected call) can be determined not to be running or are restricting the application from providing such functionality), the power consumption of the device can be reduced (in light of the fact that the device, in its current state, cannot serve as a distraction to a driver) by reducing or eliminating some or all of its energy intensive operations (e.g., GPS calls) such as those used to make context determinations (e.g., in-trip determinations, in-vehicle role determinations), as described herein. For example, upon determining that the screen is off, the GPS can be queried once every 5 seconds (or not at all), while when the screen is on, the GPS can be queried once per second.

In one implementation, the device can be configured to maintain itself in a low power consumption state in which much of, or substantially all of, the device's context information gathering can be suspended for as long as the screen is off. Such techniques can be advantageous in scenarios where the context of the device can be promptly determined when the screen is turned on (or a user is present). For example, one manner in which this can be done is by turning the GPS on upon determining that the screen is turned on. The latency associated with such a technique can be reduced by not turning the GPS radio fully off when the screen turns off, or by maintaining/“remembering” certain information that can that reduce the TTFF (time to first fix) of the GPS radio when it is next turned on, such as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

By way of further example, successive scans of available/perceptible networks/devices (WiFi, BT, Cell, etc.) can be performed (e.g. periodically) and the results maintained/recorded. Upon determining that the screen is turned on, the scan results just prior to and just after the device screen is turned on can be processed/used to determine whether or not the device is in motion (and can also be processed/used to determine/estimate the speed at which the device is moving). Moreover, the accuracy of the referenced technique can be improved by monitoring (e.g., with a relatively low power consumption, such as at a low duty cycle) and thereby determining in advance which of the various techniques are likely to be useful/effective/accurate, in light of the determined context of the device. For example, the device can test/determined, at various intervals while the screen is determined to be off, whether the described Wifi scan technique is likely to be applicable/accurate within the area in which the device is present (e.g., rural vs. urban). If it is determined that the referenced Wifi scan technique is not likely to be effective/available, it can be determined that another technique (e.g., one entailing higher energy expenditure) may be required in order to accurately determine the context of the device (and can be employed, for example, when the screen is turned on), or it may choose to suspend the use of determinations based on screen state altogether, e.g., until WiFi scans can provide relevant/accurate information again.

In another implementation, a determination that a device is connected to a power source can further indicate the hands-free state and/or in-vehicle location of the device. For example, in a scenario where a passenger is present in a car, a device determined to be connected to a power source can be determined to (a) be relatively more likely to be operated by a driver than by a passenger (because a vehicle is more likely to have a power connection that is compatible with respect to device operated by a driver than a device operated by a passenger, and (b) is relatively more likely to be positioned in close proximity to a driver than a passenger (in light of the near-driver location of some power sources, e.g., a device cradle/dock having a power connection).

In another implementation, based on a determination that a device is continuously (or substantially continuously) connected to a power source since before (or sufficiently soon after) it was last disconnected from a WiFi connection/AP (nomadic or non-nomadic), the device can be determined to be in the same location/context (e.g., within a vehicle, not within a vehicle, etc.) in which it was in when it was last connected to Wifi. In certain implementations, the accuracy of such techniques can be improved so that the device's current location and/or context can be determined based on the location and/or context determined at the time that the last WiFi access point disconnected, based upon whether the WiFi access point is nomadic or non-nomadic. For example, in a scenario where the last WiFi access point to which the device was connected was determined to be a non-nomadic access point, the location of the device and its context (e.g., barring other factors/information) can be determined to be unchanged, whereas upon determining that the last WiFi access point to which the device was connected was a nomadic access point, then, (barring other factors/information), its context (e.g., within vehicle) can be determined to be unchanged, while its location cannot. In certain implementations, the accuracy of this technique can be further improved by providing for/requiring that the device has be determined to be continuously (or substantially continuously) connected to a power source at least a certain amount of time before it was last disconnected from a WiFi connection (in doing so, a use case where a user left his home and got into his car in the driveway while still within range of her home WiFi and connected the device to a power source in the car before losing connection with the home Wifi can be addressed).

In the implementation described it is noted that a given wireless ID that the mobile device connects to may “fool” the detection system at most once in most cases. Once the mobile device connects to a wireless device (e.g., WiFi AP, Bluetooth speakerphone) in one location and disconnects from such device in a substantially different location, the wireless device will be marked as nomadic and future connections to it will not be understood to indicate that the mobile device is stationary (or even be used to determine that it is not stationary).

Applicants further note that the notion of checking the location of a mobile device when it is connected and subsequently disconnected from a wireless device is not the only method of classifying wireless devices as nomadic or non-nomadic. The mobile device's current location can be queried actively to aid in classifying the wireless device as nomadic or non-nomadic or, to save power, changes to the mobile device's “last know location” can be used to accomplish the same, i.e., if the mobile device's last know location changes sufficiently (not sufficiently) while the mobile device is connected to a wireless device, then the wireless device is classified as nomadic (non-nomadic).

In another implementation, the presence of nomadic wireless devices (e.g., nomadic WiFi APs, nomadic Bluetooth devices) can be used to detect that a mobile device is in a trip more effectively, both (i) if the mobile device is connected to one or more nomadic wireless devices; and/or (ii) if the mobile device sees one or more nomadic wireless devices (or even certain types of nomadic wireless devices as further classified by their manufacturer and/or their BT major/minor class) without being connected to them.

For example, if a mobile device connects to one or more nomadic wireless devices (e.g., as determined from comparing with a database on the device or on a remote server), the mobile device may be assumed to be in a trip and apply whatever changes to the mobile device are appropriate for a trip and/or the mobile device may choose to invest additional power to seek additional confirmation as to whether it is in a trip more quickly that it would ordinarily do so.

In another example, if the analysis of the results of a wireless scan on a mobile device shows the presence of, but not connection to, one or more nomadic wireless devices (e.g., as determined from comparing with a database on the device or on a remote server), the mobile device may choose to invest additional power to determine whether it is in a trip more quickly that it would ordinarily do so.

It can be appreciated that, in certain implementations, based on a determination that a device is in one location at the time it connects to an access point and in a substantially different/distant location when it disconnects from the access point, then, in addition to determining that the referenced access point is nomadic (such as in a manner described herein), it can also be determined that the external IP address to which the access point was/is connected or otherwise associated is also nomadic. Accordingly, even in a scenario in which another access point or device is connected to such an external IP address, it can be determined that such an access point/device is nomadic (e.g., even without determining/identify movement/traveling with respect to that device/access point).

In another implementation, if a device is determined to be connected to a power source during the time that it has been determined to be in a trip, then, for as long as the device remains connected to such power source (or an alternative power source, provided, for example, that the device is not unplugged from power for more than a certain period of time, e.g., the time it might take someone to switch between a vehicle power source and an office or home power source), it can be determined that the device is highly likely to still be within a trip. In so determining, many of the power expensive/intensive operations that may otherwise be utilized by the device to determine the context of the device can be curtailed/suspended (e.g., checking GPS to see if the device is still present within a trip).

To the extent that the characteristics of the power source can be determined pursuant to the techniques described herein (or elsewhere), the determination as to whether the device is still connected to power in a vehicle can be made relatively more easily/efficiently.

In addition, when a device is determined to be connected to power, and it is nonetheless determined that it should periodically re-detect whether the device is in a trip or not, the efficiency of such re-detection can also be improved (and can consume less power) because differentiation between moving in a vehicle and certain other states (e.g., walking) which are highly unlikely when the device is connected to power, may no longer be necessary.

In another implementation, upon determining that a device is present within a trip and connected to a power source, it can be advantageous to determine that a trip has ended so that, upon determining that a trip has ended, the device can be used by a user (i.e., without restriction) without having to disconnect the device from the power source (e.g., in a scenario where the vehicle is parked in a parking lot at the end of a trip with the device still being connected to power, and the user may want to send a text). This can be achieved, for example, by sampling one or more of a number of sensors and/or inputs (e.g., GPS, accelerometer, WiFi BSSIDs and/or RSSI, Cell Tower IDs and/or RSSI, BT BSSID and/or RSSIs) to determine if the device is in motion. In certain implementations, such sensors/inputs can be sampled at sampling rates relatively lower than would be used if the power connection was not available and/or used to make contextual determinations (thereby reducing power consumption). Further, the sensors/inputs can also be sampled at duty cycles relatively lower than those that would be used if the power connection was not available and/or used to make contextual determinations, thereby reducing power consumption.

It should be noted that the techniques described herein with respect to reducing power consumption are still applicable in scenarios in which the device is connected to a power source because, for example, if a device battery is not near full and the time the device is present within a vehicle is the only time a user has to charge the device, then being able to give the battery the best charge possible (i.e., by reducing power consuming activities) can be advantageous.

FIG. 69 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both.

At 6910, one or more devices can be identified. In certain implementations, such devices (e.g., mobile devices, wireless access points, etc.) that are identified are those that are perceptible to a device (e.g., a smartphone, mobile device, etc.). Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced devices (e.g., those that are identified) may be being associated with a vehicle (e.g., determined to be and/or otherwise identified as being embedded, installed, or otherwise present with a vehicle). Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced device may be determined to be and/or otherwise associated with an operator of the vehicle (e.g., a driver).

At 6920, a restriction can be employed. In certain implementations, such a restriction can be employed with respect to the device (e.g., the device that perceived the various other devices/access points, such as at 6910). Moreover, in certain implementations such a restriction can be employed based on a perception of the one or more devices. Moreover, in certain implementations such a restriction may be employed upon determining or otherwise identifying that the device (e.g., the device that perceived the various other devices/access points, such as at 6910) is moving in a manner that is consistent with the manner in which a vehicle moves, such as in a manner described herein. Moreover, in certain implementations, upon determining that the vehicle is not moving in such a manner, the referenced restrictions can be adjusted, relaxed, removed, etc.

By way of further illustration, it can be appreciated that distracted driving in mass transportation contexts (such as by the driver/operator of a bus, train, etc.) can be incredibly dangerous because an error in driver judgment can kill or injure many people. Accordingly, in certain implementations and as described herein, the mobile device associated with/determined to be operated by a mass transportation driver can be configured to go into ‘driver mode’ (such as is described herein) based on a perception of one or more signals (e.g., RF signals such as WiFi access points a Bluetooth BSSIDs, etc.) in a set of signals. For example, the mobile device of a bus drivers can be configured to go into ‘driver mode’ upon perceiving the MAC address(es)/BSSID(s) of the WiFi access points or Bluetooth devices that are associated with the bus(es) that they drive, and, in some cases, when additional conditions (e.g., movement consistent with driving) are also determined to be met. Doing so can provide various advantages, improvements and efficiencies, such as with respect to the accuracy, latency and power consumption of applications/modules that are directed to identifying/preventing distracted driving (whether executing the device itself and/or externally to the device, such as on a remote server). In addition, such techniques enable the restriction of the mobile devices of mass transportation drivers while they are working (e.g., driving a bus), while also not restricting the same devices in scenarios in which the bus driver is not currently driving (it should be understood that such techniques can be further enhanced as more and more vehicles have unique wireless electronic IDs) and without having to integrate with the bus company's employee time scheduling systems.

FIG. 68 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both.

At 6810, a positioning of a device (e.g., a mobile device, smartphone, etc.) can be determined. In certain implementations, the referenced positioning can include an orientation of the device (e.g., the angle at which the device is oriented, such as is describe herein) and/or a docking or connectivity status of the device (e.g., whether or not the device is connected to a dock or charger, whether or not the device is connected or linked to an in-vehicle ‘infotainment’ system, etc.). Moreover, in certain implementations it can be determined that the referenced device is present within a vehicle (and/or a moving vehicle) and/or within a trip, such as using one or more of the techniques described herein.

At 6820, one or more restricted functions can be enabled. In certain implementations, such functions can be enabled at/in relation to the device. Moreover, in certain implementations such restricted functions can be enabled based on a determination that the positioning (such as that determined at 6810) is consistent with one or more positioning parameters. Examples of such positioning parameters can be one or more parameters (and/or ranges thereof) that can be defined, such as with respect to the orientation of the device, the docking connectivity of the device, etc. Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced restricted functions can include one or more applications and/or one or more interfaces.

At 6830, the referenced restricted functions can be restricted at/in relation to the device. In certain implementations such restricted functions can be restricted based on a determination that the positioning of the device is not consistent with the one or more positioning parameters (such as in a manner described herein).

By way of further illustration, in certain implementations certain device functionality (e.g., the ability to make utilize, or otherwise interact with calls, texts, applications etc.), such as on a device determined to be associated with a driver of a vehicle can be restricted in a manner that such functionality is only permitted when various conditions can be determined to be met. For example, certain functionality (e.g., the initialization/use of a navigation application) may only be allowed when the device is determined to be positioned in a cradle (as can be determined, for example, based on inputs originating from one or more sensors, such as accelerometer, compass/magnetometer, GPS, camera, orientation envelope, correlation between z-axis acceleration and GPS acceleration, etc., such as is described herein, and/or based on inputs/information received from a device cradle (e.g. power connection identifier, NFC, etc.) which may be used to confirm that the device is in it, such as in a manner described herein. By way of further example, one or more other functionalities (e.g., the use of a music application) may also be restricted such that the use of the are permitted when the device can be determined to be connected to a vehicle's infotainment system (as can be determined based on the wired or wireless connection between the device and the vehicle's infotainment system, such as in a manner described herein).

Moreover, in certain implementations one or more of the interfaces that may be used to control various functionalities of the device (e.g., a touch interface, etc.) can be selectively (or fully) restricted. For example, a device determined to be operated by/associated with a driver of a vehicle (such as in a manner described herein) may be restricted such that a particular interface of the device (e.g., touch/touchscreen interface) may not be allowed and/or that such an interface may be restricted with respect to a particular application (e.g., the driver may not be allowed to input a destination in a navigation application using the touch interface), while one or more other interface(s) (e.g., a voice recognition/command interface) may still be available for the driver to use (or vice versa).

Once the device is determined to no longer be connected to a power source for a sufficiently long period of time, the techniques described herein can be employed to determine if the device is still within a trip or not.

In additional implementations, the techniques described herein can account for whether the device is connected to a powers source, the device's current battery level and/or rate of battery level depletion, etc., in selecting which contextual determination techniques to use and/or how to use them (e.g., in relation to sampling rate, duty cycle, etc.). For example, upon determining that a device battery is fully or mostly charged, sensors can be sampled more liberally, whereas upon determining that the device battery is low, sensors can be sampled on a more limited basis/more frugally. For example, when a device is determined to be connected to a power source, its GPS can be sampled more frequently, whereas upon determining that the device is not connected to a power source, its GPS can be sampled relatively less frequently (or not at all). Such techniques can also be employed/extended to other sensor(s), e.g., accelerometer, WiFi scans, Cell tower scans etc.

In certain cases, it may be advantageous to use some combination of the techniques described herein to improve the context determination accuracy and/or the associated power consumption.

Many of the context determinations described herein that employ techniques to use information in or related to network signals (e.g., WiFi access points, BT Device and cell towers) can be improved with better/more accurate information as to the magnitude of the power transmission of such signals. For example, for the power transmission level at which a WiFi access point, a BT device or a cell tower emitted a signal can be used to determine/estimate speed more accurately. Based on the fact that, for example, the RSSI of a BT device that transmits at 2.5 mw (Class 2) has changed from −90 dB to −80 DB in 1 sec., it can be determined that the device is moving more slowly (relative to the BT device) than if the BT device transmits at 100 mw (Class 1).

In certain implementations, a device can allow simultaneous connection to one or more networks of the same and/or different technologies. The techniques described herein can be adapted to such settings (e.g., various voting techniques) using methods known to those skilled in the art.

In any/all of the techniques described herein, it may be advantageous to incorporate a “healing” mechanism whereby periodically checks can be performed to determine/confirm that erroneous determinations have not been made (and/or that the device is operating in an incorrect state). For example, even when a device is connected to a power source continuously since a sufficiently long time before the last time it was last disconnected to WiFi, the device can be periodically checked (e.g., at a lower sampling rate/duty cycle than it might otherwise be checked at) to further determine that it is not in a trip.

One or more of the techniques described herein can be implemented in an API that can be used by other applications running on/in relation to the device to provide such applications with accurate context information in a manner that is power efficient for the device. For example, a navigation application that wants to prevent a driver from the distraction of inputting a destination while driving but wants to permit a passenger to do so, can query such an API as to whether the device is (a) present within a trip and/or (b) is being operated by a driver or a passenger. By way of further example, using such an API, a navigation application (e.g., Waze) can be configured to turn itself on or off automatically (with or without giving the user a chance to override), based on whether the device is determined to be within a trip or not (and the device can expend relatively little power to so determine). In another example, a telephony application (native or otherwise, e.g., Viber, Skype, etc.) and/or a texting application (native or otherwise, e.g., WhatsApp) running on the device can determine whether or not to allow incoming and/or outgoing calls based upon the in-trip and driver/passenger information/determination(s), as can be provided by the referenced API.

In certain implementations, one or more aspects of the techniques/technologies described herein can be configured in relation to a determination of a likelihood that a user associated with a device is going to be in a trip. It should be understood that such a likelihood can, for example be determined/estimated based on one or more inputs, factors, data elements, etc. (e.g., time, location, calendar information, user history, user or supervisor preference for tradeoff between latency, accuracy and power, etc.), such as those that may pertain to all users in a given population, pertain only to a segment of such users (e.g., sex, demographic, location), and/or or pertain to a particular individual user (e.g., calendar information, historical user behavior, etc.). For example, based one or more determinations (such as those corresponding to a particular context, as computed, for example, based on one or more on the referenced inputs, factors, data elements, etc.) relatively more resources (e.g., battery power, processing power, sensors, etc.) can be employed, activated, and/or otherwise dedicated towards one or more determinations pertaining to whether a user is/was performing a certain activity (e.g., present/traveling within a moving vehicle) during or near rush hour (as determined based on data pertinent to an entire population), during or near the time children are driving/being driven/traveling to school within a certain neighborhood (as determined based on data pertinent to a particular population segment) and/or before a meeting scheduled within the user's calendar (as determined based on data pertinent to the individual user)—in order to determine/identify such activity more accurately (by utilizing the additional resources referenced above) and/or with less latency, with respect to one or more of the referenced context(s). Moreover, a comparable configuration can also be employed to enable the usage/expenditure of relatively fewer resources in other context(s) to determine whether the same user was performing such an activity at a time when (s)he can be determined to be relatively less likely to do so, e.g., in a moving vehicle in the middle of the night.

It should also be noted that, as noted above in detail with respect to FIG. 5, in certain arrangements, the processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170, can transform an operation state of mobile device 105 based in whole or in part on the one or more determination factor(s), such as the probability computed at step 630. This operation can be further appreciated when employed in conjunction with a determination of an in-vehicle role of a user of mobile device 105, such as that depicted in FIGS. 2A-C and described in detail above. For example, in certain arrangements, upon determining (preferably to a certain minimum probability) that a mobile device 105 is under the control of a driver of a vehicle (such as by processing the inputs from accelerometer 145A and gyroscope 145B of mobile device 105 against those of other mobile devices 160 within the same vehicle, thereby identifying the driver of the vehicle, as described in detail herein), it can then be further determined whether mobile device 105, which has been determined to be under the control of a driver, is being operated in a handheld state (generally prohibited in most places) or in a non-handheld state (generally permitted). Accordingly, in such an arrangement (where mobile device 105 has been determined to be under the control of a driver and is being used in a handheld state), a transformation (substantially similar to that described in detail above with respect to step 240) can be employed In such a scenario, processor 110 can coordinate various transformations and/or adjustments to the operation(s) of mobile device 105, as described in detail above with respect to step 240. As also noted above, in certain arrangements various of the referenced transformations can be employed only when either one or both of the probabilities pertaining to the user role of the user of mobile device 105 is a driver and/or the handheld state of mobile device 105 is handheld meet and/or exceed a certain minimum threshold.

Moreover, in certain implementations, a mobile device 105 that is positioned in a cradle or dock (whether a ‘dumb’ cradle that simply holds a device or a ‘smart’ cradle that provides power and/or other connectivity to a device) that has not already been authenticated to be operated by a user that is a passenger (such as in the manner described in detail herein) can be configured to employ a particular restriction and/or set of restrictions (such as those described in detail herein) thereto, such restriction/set of restrictions preferably being different than restrictions that are employed at a device that has also not been authenticated as being operated by a passenger but is not in a cradle. Being that positioning a device in a cradle entails some degree of additional safety in relation to operation of the device on the part of the driver (being that the driver is not holding the device in his/her hand), in addition to the fact that in certain jurisdictions it is permitted to operate mobile devices in certain manners when positioned in a cradle, it can be appreciated that in certain implementations, it can be preferable to implement restrictions that account for these factors. For example, in such a scenario a cradled device can be employed with a restriction that still allows the user to make and/or to receive calls in geographic locations (e.g., a particular state or country) that allow the use of hands-free devices for calling, whereas a comparable non-cradled device can be restricted from even making such calls. It can be further appreciated that in certain implementations, such restriction(s) (and/or any of the other restrictions referenced herein) can be employed, for example, on/at the mobile device, on the SIM card, and/or by the cellular carrier (that is, in relation to the mobile device).

In another implementation, the manner in which a device is being held/oriented (e.g., placed in a dock/cradle, hand-held, etc.) can be determined based on a spectral analysis of the frequencies perceived/observed by the accelerometer and/or gyroscope of a device, such as in a manner known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the spectral pattern perceived by the sensors of a handheld device (i.e., a device being held in the hand of a user) is likely to be identifiably different from that perceived with respect to a device that is placed in a dock/cradle, in that a handheld device will often perceive higher values (e.g., in a range of 3-7 hz).

In another implementation, the manner in which a device is being held/oriented (e.g., placed in a dock/cradle, hand-held, etc.) can be determined based on the orientation of the device (for example, as can be measured based on inputs originating at the accelerometer, magnetometer, and/or GPS of the device, such as in the manner described herein), in conjunction with a spectral analysis of the observed/perceived frequencies (such as of the accelerometer and/or gyroscope), as described herein.

It should also be noted that the referenced processing/determining of an orientation of a device based on inputs originating from the accelerometer of the device can encounter noise/interference when such determinations occur within a running or ignited vehicle (i.e., a vehicle having a running engine), as, for example, a running vehicle can impart various forces that are perceptible to the device and/or the sensors of the device and which can cause an accelerometer-measured/determined orientation to change, despite the fact that the actual orientation of the device may not change. For example, a device that is cradled/docked or otherwise held in an ‘upright’ orientation will generally demonstrate no acceleration on its X and Z axes, while demonstrating an acceleration of 1 g on its Y axis, and the angle of the device, as determined from the accelerometers of the device, is 90 degrees. Accordingly, in a scenario where the vehicle accelerates at 1 g, and the device is oriented such that such accelerations are imparted on the Z-axis of the device, then the acceleration perceived on the Y and Z axes are each 1 g and the pitch angle of the device (as determined based on the trigonometric relationship between the acceleration of its axis) is 45 degrees—whereas the actual pitch angle of the device is 90 degrees.

Accordingly, in certain implementations, one or more inputs originating at one or more sensors of a device can be used to filter out the noise introduced by vehicle acceleration events (as opposed to device-specific acceleration events). In doing so, the accuracy of the various determinations with respect to the orientation of the device can be increased/improved. For example, one or more acceleration events/instances can be detected/identified, such as using one or more other sensors, such as GPS, on-board car sensors, radio (e.g. Doppler, RSSI, cellular towers, WiFi, etc.), server-side techniques (e.g., OAO, TDOA), etc., which can be used to process the data originating from the accelerometer and/or gyroscope of the device in an improved/more accurate manner. By way of illustration, In the referenced example, the GPS sensor of the device can measure/identify a change in speed of the vehicle that can be consistent with the referenced 1 g forward acceleration, and it can be determined that the 1 g acceleration observed with respect to the Z-axis of the accelerometer was present due to the acceleration of the vehicle and not from a change in the actual orientation of the device, and, as such, it can be further determined that the actual pitch angle of the device remains 90 degrees (and not 45 degrees).

It should also be appreciated that in certain implementations, one or more restrictions can be employed at/in relation to a mobile device, based on a geographical determination, as referenced above. That is, in light of differences in laws regulating mobile device usage by drivers in difference jurisdictions, one or more restrictions can be selectively employed at a mobile device based on a determination of the location of the device (e.g., based on inputs received from the GPS). Thus, in a scenario where State A prohibits texting while driving, while State B prohibits texting while driving and talking while driving, the appropriate corresponding restriction (effectively preventing/precluding the mobile device from performing the prohibited operation) can be employed based on the location of the mobile device (as determined by the GPS, cell towers and/or wifi transceivers seen/detected, as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art).

In certain implementations, a device can be determined to be positioned in a cradle or dock based on the level of movement of the device. For example, a device that is held in a cradle will tend to move less than a device that is not held fixed in a cradle—as can be determined based on an analysis of inputs originating at the accelerometer and/or gyroscope of the device, and, for example, the tightness (e.g., standard deviation) of the distribution of accelerometer readings or changes thereto, such as in a manner described herein and known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In other implementations, the orientation of the device can be used to determine if a device is in a cradle or not. For example, a device that is in a cradle will have a fixed and known orientation (e.g., generally the y-axis accelerometer, as shown in FIG. 9A) will pick-up a large component of gravity and/or the X-axis accelerometer will pick up a large component of gravity, as can be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.

In certain implementations, the presence/existence of connections to the device (′smart′ cradles supply power and/or connectivity to the device) can be used to determine if a device is in a cradle or not.

In yet other implementations, the orientation of a device relative to the vehicle in which it is present can be used to determine if the device is in a cradle or not. If such orientation is fixed over some time period, then it can be determined that the device is fixed (e.g., is positioned in a cradle/dock). If such orientation is not fixed (e.g., the device is actually hand-held), then it can be determined that the device is not in a cradle. For example, the orientation of the device relative to the vehicle can be determined at any point in time using (a) the device's GPS bearing, which measures the direction of movement of the device with respect to the Earth (denoted G), regardless of the orientation of the device within the vehicle; and (b) the device's magnetometer/compass, which measures the orientation of the device with respect to the Earth's magnetic field (denoted M), which depends on the orientation of the device in the vehicle and the bearing of the vehicle. For a device whose orientation with respect to the vehicle is fixed (e.g., a device in a cradle), a constant rotation matrix, R, can be found/computed, such that G*R=M, such as in a manner known to those of ordinary skill in the art. However, for a device whose orientation with respect to the vehicle is not fixed (e.g., a hand-held device), such rotation matrix is not constant.

It should also be understood that the identification of a device as being in a cradle/dock, as referred to herein, can be configured/expanded to any device whose position relative to the vehicle's is static and/or any device that is not hand-held.

Various of the referenced implementations and functionalities relating to the cradle/dock status of the mobile device are described in greater detail below, specifically with respect to FIG. 24.

Turning now to FIG. 7, a flow diagram is described showing a routine 700 that illustrates a broad aspect of a method restricting operation of a mobile device 105 in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein. As will be described in greater detail below, various of the steps and operations that make up routine 700 share substantial similarities to those described above in connection with FIGS. 2A-C, 3, 4, 5, and 6. It should be noted at the outset that while the following description of routing 700 will be directed primarily to operations occurring at mobile device 105, such description is exemplary and intended for the sake of clarity and consistency. However, it should be understood that any and/or all of the steps in routine 700 can be similarly employed at another device/machine, such as at central machine 168, such as in the manner described in detail above with respect to FIG. 4. Furthermore, the same principle should be understood and appreciated with respect to any and all of the various steps, operations, and/or functions described throughout the present disclosure. That is, while any one of the particular steps, operations, and/or functions are described herein as being performed at and/or upon a particular machine or device (such as mobile device 105, mobile device 160, and/or central machine 168), such description should be understood as being exemplary and/or illustrative and not limiting. Accordingly, it can be appreciated that any and all steps, operations, and/or functions described herein with regard to a particular device and/or machine (such as mobile device 105) should be similarly understood to be similarly capably of employment at another device and/or machine (such as central machine 168), substantially in the manner described herein, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

At step 701, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171 determines whether mobile device 105 is present with a vehicle, such as through one or more of the various determination methods described in detail herein.

Upon determining the mobile device 105 is within a vehicle (such as a car, a truck, a van, a motorcycle and a jeep), at step 703, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171 determines whether the vehicle is in motion, such as through one or more of the various determination methods described in detail herein.

At step 705 where processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, employs a first restriction at mobile device 105 and/or in relation to mobile device 105. As will be described in greater detail herein, the first restriction is preferably one or more instructions that dictate at least one operation state of the mobile device. Examples of such restrictions include but are not limited to: instructions that disable a particular feature or functionality of a mobile device 105 (such as the ability to type text), instructions that disable multiple features or functionalities of a mobile device 105 (such as the ability to launch certain applications and the ability to receive text messages), and instructions that functionally “lock” mobile device 105 by effectively disabling many or all of the functionalities of the device. It should be understood that in many arrangements, the referenced first restriction is preferably a default restriction. That is, in such arrangements the first restriction is employed by default, such as upon powering on and/or activating mobile device 105. It should be appreciated that in certain arrangements such restriction can be employed in relation to mobile device 105, such as by a central machine 168, such as in the manner disclosed in detail herein, for example with respect to FIG. 4. By way of illustration, the referenced restriction can be imposed by a communications provided (which preferably operates central machine 168) to prevent transmission of one or more communications (e.g., SMS messages) to a mobile device 105, until an identification/determination is made, such as identifying that two or more users are in a vehicle, such as in the manner disclosed in detail herein.

It should be understood that in various arrangements, including many of those described herein, the various restrictions employed at mobile device 105 are directed towards configuring mobile device 105 in such a manner that operation of and/or interaction with the device is difficult, inconvenient, and/or impossible (that is, it can be said that operation of mobile device 105 is impeded) for a user who is also simultaneously operating a vehicle. At the same time, such restrictions are also preferably configured to create minimal, if any, difficulty and/or inconvenience when operated by and/or interacted with by a user who is not simultaneously operating a vehicle. In other words, it can be said that such restrictions preferably impede operation of the mobile device by a user who is a driver moreso than they impede operation of the mobile device by a user who is a passenger. As such, it should be further understood that in certain arrangements it can be preferably for mobile device 105 to initially determine that the device is present within a vehicle (such as through one or more of the various determination methods described in detail herein) prior to employing such a first restriction. Accordingly, it can be further appreciated that the various steps and operations described herein with reference to FIGS. 7-8 can be further implemented, in certain arrangements, in conjunction with one or more of the various other methods and systems described in detail herein, such as those described with reference to FIGS. 2A-6. Furthermore, it should be recognized that any one or more of the various steps, operations, routines, functions, and/or figures disclosed herein can preferably employed in conjunction within any one or more of the various steps, operations, routines, functions, and/or figures disclosed herein. Thus, for example, the various restrictions described in conjunction with FIG. 7 can be employed in conjunction with the various determination operations described above. By way of example, one or more of the referenced restrictions can be employed before the occurrence of and/or in response to one or more of the determinations described in detail herein.

It should be understood that in various arrangements, at least one of the one or more restrictions that dictate the at least one operating state of mobile device 105 are determined based on inputs originating at least one of the various sensors 145, etc., as described in greater detail herein.

At step 707, mobile device 105 preferably prompts one or more users to initiate and/or provide one or more stimuli that can be received as inputs at mobile device 105. By way of example, mobile device 105 can prompt each of the one or more users in a vehicle to repeat a particular word or series of words projected by mobile device 105. It should be understood that in certain arrangements such a prompt can request for the words to be repeated sequentially while in other arrangements such a prompt can request for the words to be repeated simultaneously, while in yet other arrangements the timing of the repetition is of no consequence. It should be appreciated that such prompting can request practically any stimulus that can be received and/or analyzed as an input in the manner described herein.

At step 710, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171 receives at least a first input and a second input (e.g., the referenced stimuli), in the manner disclosed in detail herein. As has already been described in detail herein, each of the first input and the second input preferably originate at one or more of sensors 145, software modules 130, user interface 172, operating system 176, and/or communication interface 150, though it should be understood that the first input and the second input need not originate from the same source.

It should be understood that, as referred to herein, such inputs are referred to as originating at one or more of sensors 145, software modules 130, user interface 172, operating system 176, and/or communication interface 150 in the sense that such inputs are initially perceived—from the perspective of mobile device 105—at such components. However, it should be recognized, as will be appreciated in connection with the following examples, that in many arrangements and scenarios such inputs (and/or the stimuli and/or phenomena that trigger them) can ultimately originate at sources other than at various components of mobile device 105. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that within the context of the discussion of the subject matter encompassed by FIG. 7, various inputs are referred to as originating at a particular component in the sense that they originate from such a component with respect to mobile device 105. However, it is acknowledge that such inputs can, in turn, have ultimate origins beyond mobile device 105 itself, such as from the voice of a particular user and/or from an external system or device, as illustrated below.

For example, a first input corresponding to the audio tones of the voice of a first user can be received at microphone 145D, and a second input corresponding to the audio tones of the voice of a second user can also be received at microphone 145D. It should also be understood that in certain arrangements, one or more of the various inputs can be received at and/or originate from a source external to mobile device 105, such as vehicle data system 164 and or another mobile device 160. By way of example, vehicle data system 164 can provide an input to mobile device 105 (preferably received via communication interface 150) indicating the weight measured on one or more seats of a vehicle, and/or the usage of seat belts at one or more seats of a vehicle, etc.—which can in turn, indicate that more than one user is within a vehicle. By way of further example, a detection of mobile device 160 within a vehicle (using one or more of the methods described herein) can also indicate that more than one user is within a vehicle.

At this juncture, it should be noted that while the first input and the second input have been described herein as being discrete inputs, such description is merely exemplary and for the sake of clarity and illustration. Accordingly, while in certain arrangements the first input and the second input are separate inputs in the conventional sense—that is, inputs that originate at two independent sources, in other arrangements the first input and the second input are actually aspects found within a single input. For example, a single audio input (such as an audio recording) that contains two distinct voices (such as the voices of a first user and a second user) can be processed (in the manner described herein) to identify such distinct voices within the single audio input, which are understood to be a first input and a second input within the context of the present disclosure.

Then, at step 720, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, analyzes the first input and the second input. In doing so, the presence of at least one of two or more users and/or two or more mobile devices can be determined, such as a determination of the presence of a first user and the presence of a second user, such as in the manner described in detail herein. By way of illustration, continuing with the example referenced above at step 710, the first and second inputs (that is, the audio tones of the voices of the first user and the second user) can be analyzed to identify an audio signature for each of the respective inputs, in a manner known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and such audio signatures can then be compared to determine if they are substantially similar and/or identical (indicating that both inputs likely originate from the same source, i.e., the same user) or substantially dissimilar (indicating that each of the inputs likely originate from different users). Thus, upon identifying that first input (here, the voice of the first user) is substantially distinct from the second input (here, the voice of the second user), it can be concluded at minimum that the device 105 is in the presence of (if not in close proximity to) a first user and a second user. Additional illustrations of such inputs to determine the presence of at least one of two or more users and/or two or more mobile devices are presented below at EXAMPLE 4.

Upon determining that mobile device 105 is in the presence of at least one of (a) two or more users and/or (b) two or more mobile devices, such as by determining the presence of at least a first user and a second user, at step 742 processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171 modifies an employment of at least one restriction such as the first restriction. That is, being that a determination (at step 720) that the device is in the presence of at least two users necessarily indicates that at least one of such users is not a driver of a vehicle, this conclusion can preferably trigger and/or initiate the modification of the first restriction. In certain arrangements, such modification can include the employment of a second restriction, strengthening of the first restriction, and/or the easing of the first restriction. In one arrangement, such a second restriction can include one or more instructions that dictate one or more operational states of the mobile device 105 with respect to one or more of the various sensors 145 of the device. That is, as noted above, such a restriction can configure mobile device 105 to operate in a manner that is relatively difficult/inconvenient for a driver while being relatively unobtrusive for a passenger. Put differently, it can be said that such restrictions impeded operation of mobile device 105 by a user who is a driver moreso than the same restrictions impede operation of a mobile device 105 by a user who is a passenger. Examples of such restrictions include but are not limited to: requiring that the device only operate in ‘landscape’ mode (which generally requires two hands for efficient interaction/navigation—a demand that is relatively simple for a passenger to comply with but relatively difficult for a driver, who needs at least one hand to steer the vehicle, to comply with), requiring that the device operate only at certain orientations (as detected by one or more of sensors 145, such as gyroscope 145B, accelerometer 145A, GPS 145C, and magnetometer 145E) such as a completely upright orientation which is relatively simple for a passenger to comply with but which is inconvenient for a driver who will not find such an orientation as comfortable while driving and who will generally wish to hold the device at alternate orientations in order to obscure the device from the view of law enforcement officials), and that the device not operate in a manner/pattern that is consistent with that of a driver (such as the various in-vehicle role determinations described in detail herein). It should be noted that although such restrictions are generally effective, on average, in impeding operation of a device by a driver moreso than a passenger, it is recognized that certain individual drivers may not find such restrictions particularly inconvenient, while other passengers may find them highly inconvenient. Nevertheless, on average, such restrictions impede the operation of mobile device 105 by drivers moreso that they impede such operation of mobile device by passengers.

In the event that the presence of at least one of (a) two or more users and/or (b) two or more mobile devices, such as the presence of a first user and a second user, are not determined and/or one or more users not in the set of users known to be users of the mobile device, is not determined (at step 720), at step 744 processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171 maintains the employment of the first restriction.

In certain implementations, upon detecting/determining that a device is present/operating within a moving vehicle, one or more input methods associated with such a device (e.g., keyboard, voice commands, gesture inputs, etc.) can be modified or changed, such as to different input method(s) that selectively restrict one or more aspects of the functionality the device. For example, based on a detection/determination that a device is present/operating within a moving vehicle, an on-screen keyboard can be replaced (or altered) such that the keyboard can only receive a single input/character during a defined time period (e.g., every 15 seconds). Alternatively, such input method(s) can be selectively altered or replaced in relation to instances during which one or more particular application(s), such as those identified as being distracting (e.g., texting, e-mailing, web browsing, social networking, etc.), are executing at the device.

In another implementation, a determination can be made as to when the device is present/operating within a moving vehicle and, based on such a determination, the device can initiate an operation mode that can selectively restrict one or more functionalities of the device (“Driver Mode”), such as in the manner described herein.

In certain implementations, while a device or devices can be determined to be present within a moving vehicle/trip, the voice(s) of one or more user(s) perceived at one or more device(s), such as while engaged in a telephone call or other such audio communication, can be processed/analyzed to determine, for example, whether a particular speaker is relatively likely to be a driver or a passenger. Such determination(s) can be achieved, for example, by comparing response time, pitch, tones, intonations, intensity, volume and other speech characteristics between the speaker and a reference population and/or between the speaker and one or more references to the speaker himself (or herself) over time, such as in one or more different situations (e.g., when not in a moving vehicle, when in a moving vehicle when determined to be in different roles, e.g., driver/passenger, etc.), where the context of the situations may be known and/or unknown, etc. It should be understood that one or more speech recognition, speaker recognition, intonation analysis, non-verbal communication and/or voice emotion detection including spectral analysis, waveform analysis and neural networks techniques, as are known to those of ordinary skill in the art, can be employed in achieving such determinations. For example, one or more users can be determined to possess/exhibit certain elements or characteristics in his (or her) voice and intonations when the user is determined to be a driver (for example, at times a driver may pause for a relatively longer period of time before responding to a question), whereas such a user's voice doesn't possess/exhibit these elements (or possesses/exhibits them to a different extent or with a different frequency) when the user is determined to be a passenger or outside a vehicle.

Although some jurisdictions have legislated laws (and entities have adopted policies) for total driver cellphone bans (for some subset of drivers or all drivers), other jurisdictions (and entities) allow hands-free or even handheld phone calls (while possibly blocking other functions, like typing or reading emails). Even with respect to those jurisdictions (and/or entities) who allow their drivers to conduct phone calls while driving, it may be advantageous to configure a mobile device to operate/react in one or more ways when the driver/user can be determined to be emotionally distressed. One example of such a reaction is to configure the mobile device to give the driver an audible and/or visual “calm down” message, another example is to end a call or otherwise “harden” or strengthen the mobile device's Driver Mode policy (e.g., by selectively implementing additional restrictions in relation to the device), until, for example, the driver can be determined to have calmed down.

FIG. 42 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both. At 4205 a perception of one or more signals can be identified, such as in relation to a first device. In certain implementations, the one or more signals can originate at one or more other devices. At 4210, a performance of one or more authentication techniques can be enabled, such as in relation to the first device. In certain implementations, a performance of one or more authentication techniques can be enabled based on an identification of the one or more signals in relation to the first device.

When one device is in ‘Driver Mode,’ one or more other devices (such as those executing a comparable application capable of selectively restriction a device) can project or otherwise emit or provide a signal or notification (which, in various implementations, may be audible, inaudible, via Bluetooth, etc.) (referred to herein as a “Special Signal”). In certain implementations, such “Special Signals” can be configured such that they are perceptible only by other devices present within the same vehicle (as can be achieved by providing such signals at a relatively law power of transmission, such that, in most cases, the signals are unlikely to be perceptible to devices outside of the vehicle). Moreover, such signal(s) can be provided on a continuous and/or periodic basis (whether static, e.g., once every 15 seconds, or dynamic periodicity, e.g., at randomized intervals, at randomized frequencies, and/or in conjunction with randomized content generated by a remote server (such as in order to prevent tampering).

Having initiated ‘Driver Mode’ with respect to a device (and/or otherwise restricted such a device) the referenced device can be configured (such as via the referenced ‘Driver Mode’) to enable an adjustment of such a state, such as changing/transitioning the device to another operational state such as a passenger mode (“Passenger Mode”) based on a determination (and, in certain implementations, for as long as) that the device is capable of perceiving a ‘Special Signal’ emitted by driver device (e.g., a device determined to be operated by a driver, presumably originating from a device within the same vehicle).

In another implementation, a device operating in ‘Driver Mode’ can be transitioned to another state, such as to ‘Passenger Mode’ by successfully performing one or more passenger authentication technique(s), such as those described herein.

It can be appreciated that, in light of the fact that most vehicles have only one occupant in them, and such occupant is, by definition, the driver, devices being operated by such solo drivers can be configured to initiate ‘Driver Mode’ (and remain in such a state) because no ‘Special Signal’ is perceptible to such devices.

Moreover, in certain implementations, having initiated a ‘Passenger Mode’ with respect to a device (such as in the manner described herein), such a device can be configured to cease to emit/project the referenced ‘Special Signals.’

In certain implementations, information identifying the device that was passenger authenticated (e.g., a device ID such as IMEI), a SIM ID such as IMSI, UUID, telephone number, etc.) and/or the device that enabled such authentication can be collected, time-stamped, GPS-stamped, saved and/or analyzed. In addition, information pertaining to when a passenger device ceased to receive a Special Signal and, therefore, left Passenger Mode (e.g., corresponding to a trip stopping, the driver and passenger separating, the driver turned off his/her device, etc.) can also be stored.

In another implementation, one or more aspects of the referenced information collected over time can be analyzed. In doing so, instances in which one device is used to enable another device to operate in ‘passenger mode,’ and the device that enabled such operation is then observed to operate in a relatively limited manner (e.g., with respect to calls, texts, data sent/received, contact present or changes thereto, applications run, etc.) outside of emitting a Special Signal, can be identified. Identifying such instances can be advantageous in order to identify drivers who may procure one or more additional devices to “sacrifice” as driver devices so that a second device can be authenticated as a passenger device (such as in the manner described herein) and used freely while driving.

In another implementation, a driver having a device that does not have the software/application capable of configuring the device to project/emit the referenced ‘Special Signal’ may have the option to (a) download or otherwise obtain a ‘lite’ version of the software that enables projection/emitting of such a Special Signal (thereby enabling passengers within the vehicle to transition their devices into Passenger Mode, such as in the manner described herein), (b) go to a website that plays a Special Signal, and/or (c) receive a Special Signal over a voice connection (e.g., by calling a phone number that plays a Special Signal).

Moreover, in certain implementations device users can stop the emission of a Special Signal from their devices. In so doing, a passenger can prevent a driver from using his/her device in Passenger Mode (or attempting to).

In public transportation settings/scenarios, the referenced Special Signal can be emitted by and/or amplified by hardware within the vehicle. Alternatively, other devices that perceive a Special Signal can also relay (or “repeat”) such Special Signal, thereby increasing its effective range of transmission.

In another implementation, a passenger device can be prompted to request for a driver device to emit a Special Signal, rather than have all devices within a vehicle emitting a Special Signal until they transition into Passenger Mode.

Turning now to FIG. 8, a flow diagram is described showing a routine 800 that illustrates a broad aspect of a method restricting operation of a mobile device 105 in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein. As will be described in greater detail below, various of the steps and operations that make up routine 800 share substantial similarities to those described in detail herein.

At step 801, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171 determines whether mobile device 105 is present with a vehicle, such as through one or more of the various determination methods described in detail herein.

Upon determining that mobile device 105 is within a vehicle (such as a car, a truck, a van, a motorcycle and a jeep), at step 803, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171 determines whether the vehicle is in motion, such as through one or more of the various determination methods described in detail herein.

At step 805, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, employs one or more restrictions at mobile device 105 and/or in relation to mobile device 105, substantially in the manner described above with respect to step 705. It should be understood that such restriction(s) are preferably configured to impede operation of mobile device 105 by a user that is a driver moreso than the restriction(s) impede operation of mobile device 105 by a user that is a passenger, as described in detail herein. Examples of scenarios where the operations of routine 800 can be implemented include teenage drivers (wherein a parent/guardian wishes to employ such restrictions, which make it difficult to operate a mobile device 105 while driver, at all times) and/or phones that are fixed in vehicles, such as car phones (wherein it is always desirable to implement such restrictions). It should be appreciated that in certain arrangements such restriction can be employed in relation to mobile device 105, such as by a central machine 168, such as in the manner disclosed in detail herein, for example with respect to FIG. 4. By way of illustration, the referenced restriction can be imposed by a communications provided (which preferably operates central machine 168) to prevent transmission of one or more communications (e.g., SMS messages) to a mobile device 105, until an identification/determination is made, such as identifying that two or more users are in a vehicle, such as in the manner disclosed in detail herein.

It should be further understood that in certain arrangements, such restriction can be further configured to impede operation of the mobile device, and/or be more likely to be applied to a mobile device used by a driver than to a mobile device used by a passenger. By way of example, consider a scenario where a particular restriction is employed such that if the ‘shake’ perceived at mobile device 105 exceeds a certain threshold level, SMS messages cannot be sent from the device. It can be appreciated that employment of such a restriction does not impede drivers more than passengers (being that, once employed, it will impede a driver and a passenger equally), however such a restriction is more likely, on average, to be employed for drivers than for passengers (being that drivers, on average, shake their devices more than passengers). Further such examples are provided at EXAMPLE 4.

It should be further understood that, as described in detail above, such restriction(s) can be configured to be applied to a mobile device as used by a first user moreso than such restrictions are applied to a mobile device used by a second user. By way of example, such restrictions can be configured to impede a user who uses the mobile device in an unauthorized operation state moreso than a user who uses the mobile device in an authorized operation state. By way of illustration, one such example, which is preferably directed to preventing students from using their mobile devices while they are in a classroom setting, can impose a restriction such that the mobile device is only operable and/or functional if the device is held upright and/or at a certain altitude (as can be determined based on one or more of sensors 145, as described in detail herein). In doing so, students will effectively have to hold their mobile devices upright and in a certain conspicuous orientation, such that it will be very difficult for such students to operate their mobile devices inconspicuously during a class, such as underneath a desk. Accordingly, it can be appreciated that such a restriction impedes users (here, students) who use their mobile devices in an unauthorized operation state (that is, for example, during class), which such a restriction does not impede users who use their mobile devices in an authorized operation state (that is, when not in class) to the same degree. It should be further understood that the referenced examples and illustrations are merely exemplary, and that many other such restrictions within the scope of the present disclosure are similarly possible.

Additionally, a device that is located in a vehicle can be used to determine whether the vehicle's engine is on or off. One manner in which this is useful, is when considering that a vehicle that has recently stopped moving, but whose engine is still on, may likely continue its present trip (e.g., stopped at a red light), whereas a vehicle that has recently stopped moving and whose engine is off has likely finished its present trip. Differentiating between these two states in useful, among other reasons, in order to know when usage restrictions on a driver's device should be lifted, such as in the manner described herein.

In one implementation, the device's accelerometer and/or gyroscope and/or magnetometer can be used to determine whether the engine is running or not. For example, the accelerometer and/or gyroscope and/or magnetometer show larger movements and/or movement at different frequencies, when the engine is running as opposed to not running.

In another implementation, the device's microphone(s) is used to determine whether the engine is running or not. For example, the microphones will show signals at different frequencies, including harmonics of the base frequency which can be more easily detected by the microphones used on popular devices, when the engine is running than if the engine is not running.

In yet another implementation, the event of starting or stopping the ignition can be captured by the accelerometer, gyroscope and/or microphone. For example, the magnitude of the acceleration at the time the ignition is started or stopped is considerably larger than the previous and subsequent accelerations in a stationary vehicle.

In yet another implementation that may be particularly useful for electric vehicles, the event of starting or stopping the ignition may be captured by the magnetometer because the magnetic field created by an electric car will change when the car is turned on or off.

It can be appreciated that in certain situations it may be useful (a) to restrict driver devices in vehicles that are temporarily stopped, for example at a stop light (i.e., not moving, but that have been moving recently and whose engines are still on and/or whose ignition hasn't been turned off); but (b) to not restrict device's in vehicles that were just turned on, for example, still in their parking spot (i.e., not moving, and were not moving recently, but whose engines has been started recently).

Additionally, it can be useful to measure the accelerometer reading and/or magnetometer readings across the 3-axes using an orientation-invariant, for example, using the RMS of the accelerations on each of the 3 axes or other techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art of signal processing and time-series analysis.

Additionally, it should be appreciated that various time parameters can be associated with many of the above methods so as to effectively differentiate between events or states that are recent and ones that are not.

In certain implementations, one or more of the techniques described herein can be configured to determine whether a device is (or is likely to be) within a moving vehicle based on (a) signals that are measured by the device itself (e.g., by the internal accelerometer) or provided/imparted from external devices (e.g., cellular network, other terrestrial or non-terrestrial infrastructure, the vehicle or other vehicles, WiFi networks, GPS networks) and received at the device and/or (b) signals that are provided/imparted from the device (e.g., RF cellular signals) and picked up external to the device (e.g., the cellular network, other infrastructure, the vehicle or other vehicles), such as is described herein.

In certain implementations, one or more transmitters within a vehicle can send a signal (e.g., BT, WiFi) when (and for as long as) the vehicle is moving (or, optionally, in a lower state where it also able to move, e.g., “On” or “Not in Park”) (the “In-Vehicle Signal”). Devices can be configured to ‘wake up’ from time to time to ‘listen for’ the In-Vehicle Signal and, when such a signal is perceived (e.g., for a long enough period of time), they can be determined to be in a moving vehicle. The devices can be configured to ‘listen’ for this signal at somewhere in their architecture stack (hardware, firmware, operating system, application, etc.) so as to reduce the power needed and/or provide the option to allow such to function without the user being able to control it (e.g., turn off or opt out).

Upon determining that a device is in a moving vehicle, the in-vehicle role of the device user can be determined (e.g., identifying the user as a driver or passenger, and, optionally further differentiate between passengers that are near to the driver and whose device use might be distracting to her (e.g., front seat passengers) and passengers who are less near to the driver (e.g., rear-seat passengers)). In doing so, the appropriate usage rule set can be applied to such device. Such technique can determine the device user's in-vehicle role and/or can, for example, determine/infer the in-vehicle role of the device user based on the in-vehicle location of the device. Such determination can be performed one or more times per trip.

In certain implementations, one or more techniques for determining the in-vehicle role of a device user and the in-vehicle location of a device user, such as those described herein, can be employed in conjunction with one or more in-vehicle transmitters (e.g., transmitters employed within the vehicle), such as by configuring the device to ‘listen’ periodically for certain signals. In doing so, the in-vehicle location of the device can be determined such that an in-vehicle role of the device user can be determined/inferred and an appropriate usage rule set can be applied to the device.

In certain implementations, based upon a determination of/data pertaining to the location of the in-vehicle transmitter, the time that it takes a signal emitted from the transmitter (the “Distance Signal”, which could be part of the In-Vehicle Signal in certain embodiments) to reach the mobile device can provide an indication as to the in-vehicle location of the device, such as in order to determine the in-vehicle role of the device user. For example, if the time that it takes for the Distance Signal to travel from the in-vehicle transmitter to the device (the “time of flight”) is below a certain threshold (which may depend, for example, on the in-vehicle location of the transmitter, among other things) and the in-vehicle transmitter is placed in the vehicle's steering wheel, then the mobile device can be determined/inferred to be the driver's.

In order to measure time of flight with a certain degree of accuracy, in certain implementations (a) the clock on the mobile device and the clock on the in-vehicle transmitter (or the clock in the vehicle to which it may be connected) can be synchronized (e.g., within a certain margin of error), and/or (b) the mobile device can be configured to determine the time at which Distance Signal is received with sufficient resolution (i.e., accuracy) to sufficiently determine the distance between the transmitter and the device, and/or (c) the device can be configured to differentiate between the original Distance Signal transmitted and myriad multipath signals that arrive at the device due to signal reflection or other indirect routes.

In the event that both the device and the vehicle have network access (and the transmitter is, for example, connected to the vehicle's LAN or has independent access to the network) the device and the transmitter can be synchronized using existing protocols like NTP. In the event that one or both of the sides do not have network access (e.g., because they are in a location that does not have network connectivity or because, such connectivity is not provided/available), the two devices can synchronize between themselves, for example, by using a signal (the “Sync Signal”, which can be part of the In-Vehicle Signal in certain embodiments) that can, for example, travel more quickly than the Distance Signal (through which the distance between the device and the transmitter will be measured). For example, the transmitter and the mobile device can synchronize by having the transmitter send a Sync Signal (e.g., an RF pulse via BT, WiFi etc.), once every 5 seconds, which a device (at a distance of 70 cm) will receive approximately 2 nanoseconds later (assuming that the Sync Signal travels at the speed of light, 300,000,000 m/s). The transmitter then sends the Distance Signal (e.g., an inaudible sound pulse that can be detected by the one or more microphones on the device), say, 3 seconds later and the device (at a distance of 70 cm) can receive such signal about 2 milliseconds later (assuming that the Distance Signal travels at the speed of sound, 340 m/s). (It is noted that the order in which the Sync Signal and the Distance Signals are discussed above is done for the ease of explanation, but, in various implementations, these signals can be sent simultaneously or the Distance Signal can be sent before the Sync Signal, whereupon the in-vehicle location determination can be made after the timing of the Sync Signal is determined/known). By transmitting the Distance Signal as a pulse and using the first such signal received on the device during any given transmission cycle, the difficulties of multi-pathing can be avoided. For example, a rule might state that, if a device receives the Distance Signal within 2 ms (e.g., 70 cm distance) of its being sent then it is determined to be a driver device. Otherwise (i.e., if it does not receive the Distance Signal within 2 ms), it is determined to be a passenger device. Signals received after 2 ms and until the next Distance Signal transmission (5 seconds later) can be disregarded.

Illustrative Time Line for Example Above:

t₀=Sync Signal transmitted

t₁=Distance Signal transmitted

t₂=Cutoff for Distance Signal (t₁+2 ms)

t₃=Next Sync Signal transmitted

The Sync Signal and/or the Distance Signal can be transmitted at the strengths and in the forms such that they can be received by the mobile devices in the vehicle with sufficient accuracy (e.g., in light of intra-vehicle or extra-vehicle noises or interference), whereby, in certain situations, the strength or the form (e.g., frequency, duration, encoding) of the signals may be modulated to so ensure. If the vehicle is the power source of the transmitter, then this is easy from a power standpoint, though in some implementations, form modulations (e.g., changes to the signal's frequency, duration or encoding) may be preferable).

In some cases, two (or more) vehicles may be sufficiently close to one another such that one can ‘hear’ the signals transmitted by the other. This may be prevented or significantly minimized in various ways know to those skilled in the art, including time-slicing. For example, if Device A is in Vehicle A and constantly receives Sync Signals from the transmitter in Vehicle A approximately every 5 seconds and then Vehicle B, which is travelling in close proximity to close to Vehicle A, transmits a Sync Signal that Device A receives after, say 3 seconds, from the last Sync Signal sent from Vehicle A, such a signal can be disregarded as “crosstalk” because it was scheduled to receive its next signal after 5 seconds and will restrict the acceptance of signals to those that arrive in a tight window around that at 5 seconds time (e.g., 5 seconds+/−3 ms), as legitimate Sync Signal (the probability of a Sync Signal arriving from another vehicle during such +/−3 ms window each 5 seconds is about 0.1%, assuming that there is a vehicle in such proximity whose signal can pass through from one vehicle to another). In another example, each device can transmit a random “identity” element encoded within its Sync Signal that can be received by the device and used to identify if that Sync Signal should be used (i.e., if it was received from the correct in-vehicle transmitter) or ignored. Finally, if a device is moved from one vehicle to another (e.g., because the device's user or only the device physically switches vehicles), the Sync Signal from the original vehicle can cease to be received in the expected time slot or with the expected identity (for one or more times), whereupon it can be determined that the device is no longer in its original vehicle. It will then begin to receive the In-Vehicle Signal from the new vehicle it has entered and begin the Sync Signal and Distance Signal processes in the new vehicle. Note that, in the example presented here there are no “crosstalk” issues related the Distance Signal for similar reasons and/or they can be prevented in similar ways. Moreover, in certain implementations the probability of crosstalk between cars and devices can be further reduced, for example, by using two (or more) successive Sync Signals (or Distance Signals) to compute the distance between the device and the transmitter where the length of time between the Sync Signal (or Distance Signals) can be randomly varied on each transmitters and conveyed to their devices (e.g., the next Sync Signal will occur t seconds after the this Sync signal, where t is randomly drawn over some interval (0,X]).

It is noted that the detection and the time-stamping of the signals received can be done with sufficiently low latency and sufficiently high resolution so that the in-vehicle location can be determined with sufficient accuracy. In one embodiment this is accomplished by moving the detection and time-stamping processes to a location in the device's stack architecture (hardware, firmware, operating system, application, etc.) that supports the requisite latency and clock resolution.

It is also noted that the set of rules used to determine the in-vehicle role of the device user can be adjusted in different cases. For example, such rules can be adjusted based upon the geometry of a car (e.g., larger cars have a higher distance threshold) or the location of the in-vehicle transmitter. Such information can, for example, be stored in-vehicle (or on a server external to the vehicle) and communicated by the transmitter to the device (for example, as part of the Sync Signal) and used to adjust the in-vehicle role determination rules.

In another implementation, in order to save device power, even when a device is determined/known to be in a moving vehicle, the device can be configured not to process the Sync Signal and/or the Distance Signal described above (or the vehicle can be configured not to transmit such signals based on a determination that there no other powered-on devices are present within the vehicle), until a certain device-based event occurs (e.g., the screen turns on, a phone call arrives, etc.), whereupon, before giving control to the user, the device can determine its in-vehicle location and determine/infer its user's in-vehicle role and apply the usage rules, such as by using the methods described above. In certain implementations the Sync Signal can be configured to be sent more frequently than once every 5 seconds, or the device might demand an immediate a Sync Signal from the vehicle (BT, WiFi, server-side) or the transmitter (in which case it would be transceiver, able to receive certain signals too).

In some implementations the vehicle and/or the device can be configured such that one or more aspects of the functionality described herein is (a) be pre-installed or silently or conspicuously post-installed on devices; and/or (b) run autonomously on devices, i.e., it will constantly function without the user being able to turn it off, uninstall it or opt out, except, perhaps, by powering off a device and/or a vehicle. It can be appreciated that such configurations can, for example, be dictated or incentivized by regulation, legislation, policy or decision.

In other implementations, other methods (e.g., triangulation methods), involving more than one in-vehicle transmitters in different (or the same) locations can be employed, thereby providing more robust (e.g., less noise, more accurate in-vehicle location) than the example detailed above, but would also likely cost more. It should be understood that the various illustrations provided herein are merely exemplary and that such technologies can be modified to provide any number of additional implementations, as can be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, it can be appreciated that various devices have multiple microphones located in different known positions that can be used to reduce noise and improve accuracy and provide sound localization information.

It should be understood that the in-vehicle transmitters do not have to be integrated into the vehicle, e.g., they could be externally attached or installed for after-market purposes.

It may be advantageous to enable notifications to be generated and provided to certain persons if the transmitters cease to function properly, including being tampered with. This could be done device-side or vehicle-side.

In certain implementations, the system described above could be reversed, e.g., the mobile device can be the transmitter and in-vehicle sensors can receive the signals (or a hybrid combination thereof, i.e., some in-vehicle sensors receive while others transmit).

It should also be noted that the techniques described above can be implemented with respect to the classroom techniques described herein, whereby the devices in a particular classroom can be identified using the techniques described above where the transmitter can be the teacher's mobile device (or a separate in-class transmitter) and those mobile devices that receive the Distance Signal within a certain threshold period of time are determined to be in the teacher's class and can be controlled by signals sent from the teacher's phone as described herein.

In another implementation, two or more transmitters that emit signals (e.g., BT, WiFi, ultrasound, inaudible-sound, light, etc.), such as those of the same type and/or with the same transmission power, can be incorporated within one or more hardware devices that can be installed within a vehicle. Such transmitters can be designed/configured to transmit spherically and/or directionally (e.g., in a three-dimensional range that is a subset of a sphere, e.g., a hemisphere, through the use of appropriate hardware as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art). Based upon the strength (or differences thereto) at which a device can be determined to receive the signals, one or more aspects pertaining to the in-vehicle position of a mobile device can be determined. For example, based on a determination that a mobile device is present in the front left section of a vehicle, one or more restrictions can be placed on/in relation to the device. In another example, based on a determination that a mobile device is present in the front right section of a vehicle, one or more restrictions (e.g., those that were placed on the device when it was determined to be in a vehicle) can be removed/relaxed from/in relation to the device. It should be understood that in locations where vehicles travel on the left side of the road (e.g., U.K.), such techniques can be reversed.

It can be appreciated that the strength of a signal emitted by a nearby transmitter as perceived on a mobile device can vary from device to device within the same location, orientation and time (e.g., because of receiver hardware, antenna placement, etc.), from device orientation to device orientation and from device context to device context (e.g., in a bag, in a pocket, in a cradle). Measuring the difference in strength of a signal from two or more transmitters, transmitting with the same transmission power, e.g., the difference in their RSSIs, and, optionally, averaged over time, can provide more accurate location information.

In another implementation, the system can be reversed so that a mobile device emits one or more a signals that are received by one or more hardware devices and, based upon the relative strength (or differences thereto) at which the hardware devices can be determined to receive such signals, one or more aspects pertaining to the in-vehicle position of a mobile device can be determined.

In one implementation, transmitters can encode information about the direction in which they transmit (e.g., right front, front right) within the transmission packets (e.g., SSID, payload) and the receiver (and/or other devices) can use such information, in addition to the signal strengths, to determine the in-vehicle position/location of the device.

For example, a hardware device placed on the ceiling in the approximate middle of a vehicle might have three directional transmitters in it. One transmitter can emit signals pointed downward at the front left of the vehicle (e.g., ⅛ of a sphere). A second transmitter can emit signals pointed downward at the front right of the vehicle (e.g., ⅛ of a sphere). A third transmitter can emit signals pointed downward at the rear of the vehicle (e.g. ¼ of a sphere). The SSIDs of the transmitter can contain the suffix strings “FL”, “FR”, and “Rear”, respectively (See FIG. 51). Accordingly, in a scenario in which a mobile device within the vehicle determines that the strongest signal that it receives (over one or more samples) has “FL” in its SSID suffix, it can be determined that the device is likely to be in the front left of the vehicle. Moreover, by averaging the strengths of successive signals closely spaced in time, the accuracy of such a technique can be further improved. The accuracy can be further improved by requiring that the difference between the strength of two or more signals exceed one or more thresholds prior to determining its location. For example, a device near the front of the vehicle (the device might be determined to be in the front because the “FL” and “FR” signals acquired are much stronger than the “Rear” signal), might only be determined to be in the front right of the vehicle if the difference in the strength between the FL signal and the FR signal (e.g., RSSI_(FL,t)−RSSI_(FR,t)) was (a) greater than 0 on more than 90% of 10 samples, each 500 ms apart; or (b) greater than 3 dbms, on average, over 10 seconds; or (c) had a mean that was more than one standard deviation above zero, over 7 seconds.

In another implementation, the hardware unit described above can be modified so that the “FL” ⅛-sphere is enlarged slightly while the “FR” ⅛-sphere is minimized slightly and as soon as the FR signal is determined to be stronger than the FL signal (i.e., without the need for any additional margins of error), the device can be determined to be a passenger device (see FIG. 52)

In another implementation, the two or more transmitters can be placed in two different units, for example, two in the front window (“FL”, “FR”) and one in the rear window (“Rear”). Such placement may be preferable in certain implementations because it can utilize solar energy to power the transmitter(s).

In various implementations the physical structure of the hardware unit (e.g., relative to the wavelength of signal) can be designed or configured to prevent/minimize the RF signals from spreading outside the polygonal/conal direction in which they are directed/intended to be transmitted after they leave the hardware unit, as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In various implementations, the transmission units may be installed as original equipment (OE) by the vehicle manufacturers or their subcontractors, or in after-market by specialists or via ‘do it yourself’ kits.

In certain implementations, crosstalk can be minimized by using unique identifiers (e.g., BSSID) for all the transmitters within the same vehicle (in addition to the directional information) and ignoring all signals but those that are determined to be the strongest (collectively across all the transmitters in a vehicle). Continuing the three (3) transmitter example above, the BSSIDs of the transmitters in the same device are 123456000001, 123456000002, and 123456000003. When a device in the vehicle receives vehicle-location signals with a prefix 123456 and 654321, with strength of −20 dBm, −30 dBm, −40 dBm, −40 dBm, −50 dBm, −60 dBm for 123456FL, 123456FR, 123456Rear, 654321FL, 654321FL, 654321FL, it can compute the average signal strength from devices with the prefix 123456 and prefix 654321, i.e., −30 dBm and −50 dBM, respectively, and can choose to ignore the signals from the “crosstalking” signals, i.e., the signals with the 654321 prefix.

It should be noted that, in certain implementations, a device can be restricted in a manner that reduces the danger likely to result from noises emitted by device (e.g., when present within a vehicle), such as noises that may negatively affect a driver's abilities to perform his primary task. Upon determining, for example, that a device is present within a moving vehicle, applications that use sounds which, if played while in a vehicle may be confusing, distracting, dangerous, etc. (e.g., a honking sound, a siren, loud sounds), can be adjusted (e.g., by selecting different/less confusing sounds, using another feedback technique, e.g., haptic feedback, or by restricting the sounds entirely). In certain implementations, such applications can ask (e.g. poll) a trip detection module (e.g., on the mobile device) or receive a notification (e.g., subscribe to a callback) from a trip detection module when a trip starts and stops.

Turning now to FIG. 12, a flow diagram is described showing a routine 1200 that illustrates a broad aspect of a method for restricting operation of a mobile device 105 in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein. As will be described in greater detail below, various of the steps and operations that make up routine 1200 share substantial similarities to those described in detail herein.

At step 1201, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171 determines whether a first mobile device 105 is present within a vehicle, and/or receives one or more first inputs from at least one of a vehicle data system 164 and/or at least one of a second mobile device 160, the one or more first inputs pertaining to a presence of the first mobile device 105 within a vehicle, such as through one or more of the various determination methods described in detail herein.

Then, at step 1207, mobile device 105 preferably prompts one or more users to initiate and/or provide one or more stimuli that can be received as inputs at mobile device 105 and/or receives one or more second inputs in response to the prompting, and/or receives one or more third inputs from vehicle data system 164, and/or receives one or more fourth inputs from at least one of the second mobile device 160, all in the manner described in detail herein.

At step 1220, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, analyzes at least one of the first inputs, the second inputs, the third inputs, and the fourth inputs to determine a presence of at least one of more than one user, more than one mobile device 105, 160, and/or one or more users not in the set of users known to be users of the first mobile device, substantially in the manner described in detail herein.

At step 1242, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171 employs one or more restrictions at a mobile device 105, substantially in the manner described in detail herein.

Turning now to FIG. 13, a flow diagram is described showing a routine 1300 that illustrates a broad aspect of a method for restricting operation of a mobile device 105 in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein. As will be described in greater detail below, various of the steps and operations that make up routine 1300 share substantial similarities to those described in detail herein.

At step 1305, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, employs one or more restrictions at mobile device 105, substantially in the manner described above with respect to step 705.

In certain implementations, such a restriction can be employed whereby the device can prompt/require the user is to authenticate that s/he is a passenger in a vehicle (such as a moving vehicle) by performing an action or a set of actions such as a CAPTCHA, a game, a puzzle, lock screen etc., as described in detail herein. It can be appreciated that such authentication can be configured to require sufficient concentration/attention such that the authentication can be difficult to perform by a driver of a moving vehicle, who must concentrate on driving. This authentication can be further strengthened by requiring that (a) in order to complete the action the user must use both hands (for example, by requiring multitouch input, as described in detail herein and illustrated with respect to FIG. 15A), and/or (b) configuring the restriction to require the user to tilt his/her head and/or eyes down or up or right or left (for example, by requiring that the device be held flat, placed in the user's lap or on the seat between the user's legs, in the manners described herein) thereby preventing the user from being able to see the road ahead while performing the authentication, and/or by requiring that the user look directly in to the device, as described in detail herein.

At step 1310, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171 receives one or more inputs, preferably from at least one of the mobile device 105, a vehicle data system 164, and/or one or more other mobile devices 160, substantially in the manner described above with respect to step 710. By way of further illustration, in certain implementations, such inputs correspond to one or more inputs provided by the user to the device in response to an authentication prompt (it should be understood that the term “authentication prompt” as used herein is intended to encompass one or more prompts, instructions, and/or directions that inform a user in some manner as to the manner in which inputs should be provided to a device, and/or that otherwise provide information to the user relating to the authentication of such a device).

At step 1320, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, analyzes at least one of the inputs. It should be understood that in certain implementations, such analysis can be performed in order to determine a presence of one or more users that are not known users of the first mobile device 105, substantially in the manner described in detail herein. In other implementations, such analysis can be performed in order to determine whether and/or to what degree one or more inputs (such as those received at step 1310) successfully and/or unsuccessfully authenticated a mobile device 105, as is also described in detail herein.

At step 1342, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, modifies an employment of one or more restrictions at a mobile device 105, substantially in the manner described in detail herein.

Turning now to FIG. 14, a flow diagram is described showing a routine 1400 that illustrates a broad aspect of a method for orienting a coordinate system of a mobile device 105 in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein. As will be described in greater detail below, various of the steps and operations that make up routine 1400 can share substantial similarities to those described in detail herein. It should be understood that the various steps of routine 1400 will be appreciated with reference to EXAMPLE 3 below and FIGS. 9-11B, and their accompanying descriptions.

At step 1410, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170 receives one or more inputs, preferably from at least one of (i) at least one of the user interface, the operating system, the accelerometer, the gyroscope, the GPS receiver, the microphone, the magnetometer, the camera, the light sensor, the temperature sensor, the altitude sensor, the pressure sensor, the proximity sensor, the NFC device, the compass, and the communications interface of the mobile device 105 and (ii) a vehicle data system 164, substantially in the manner described in detail herein.

At step 1430, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170 computes, based on the one or more inputs, an orientation of the mobile device 105 relative to a coordinate system of a vehicle, such as a vehicle within which mobile device 105 is traveling.

At step 1440 based on the orientation, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, determination module 170 interprets one or more subsequent inputs of the mobile device 105 in relation to the coordinate system of the vehicle and/or transforms the one or more subsequent inputs originating at the first device into values that are comparable with the coordinate system of the vehicle. See, for example, FIGS. 11A-B and EXAMPLE 3, below.

It should be understood that mobile device 105 is preferably communicatively coordinated with the vehicle data system, that vehicle data system is preferably configured (e.g., installed) with the vehicle (e.g., within the vehicle such as a car) and/or that mobile device is positioned within the vehicle, as described in detail herein.

By way of illustration, consider that based on the x, y and z accelerometers, the exact orientation of the device 105 can be determined relative to the ground (e.g, based on the gravitational force shown on the three accelerometers 145A, as is known to those of skill in the art based on such disciplines as trigonometry). When the device is within a moving car with additional forces, the inputs can be averaged over time and/or inputs from the gyroscope 145B can further assist this computation.

The orientation of the mobile device 105 can be detected relative to the car, for example, by using the angle between the device's magnetic north (e.g, from the 3-axis compass sensor) and the vehicle's GPS heading (as can be shown on the mobile device).

Accordingly, it can be appreciated that in the case of a moving car there are also additional forces (other than gravity). These forces can be accounted for, for example, through averaging over time and/or by using the mobile device's gyroscope 145B, as described herein and using methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In the case that there are movements at the mobile device 105 that are unrelated to the car (say the user moved the device), these can be accounted for through time averaging and/or using the gyroscope 145B and or filtering out these higher frequency events, as described herein and using methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

By way of further illustration, consider that in a mobile device on a flat table, the Z-accelerometer shows gravity and the X-accelerometer and Y-accelerometer show 0.

If the mobile device is rolled or pitched (so that one side or one corner of the device remains in contact with the table), the value read by the z-accelerometer goes down (some of the gravity that it felt in stage one is handed over to the other accelerometers) and the X-accelerometer (for roll) and Y-accelerometer (for pitch) go up. The total sum of squares of the 3-accelerometers is always gravity. So we know the exact orientation of the device with regard to the ground.

To orient/align the device 105 with the coordinates of a car, the device's 105 north (detected, e.g., via its compass sensor) can be compared with the vehicle's GPS (such as from vehicle data system 164) heading (as read on the device). For example, (if the device screen is facing up, i.e., the device is not upside down) and its compass sensor shows that magnetic north is due north and the GPS heading sensor shows the vehicle is travelling due west, then the device is rotated 90 degrees to the right with regard to the car. Accordingly, the exact orientation of the device with respect to the coordinates of the car, as disclosed herein and described in greater detail at EXAMPLE 3 and with regard to FIGS. 9-11B.

By way of further illustration, in the case of a 2.5 g lateral acceleration detected at the mobile device 105, that could be because the mobile device 105 was in a very tight turn (right or left) or because there was very strong forward acceleration or deceleration—or some combination thereof. We cannot know what the car did (if anything) to cause this 2.5 g acceleration until we understand the orientation of the device 105 within the car and can transform the 2.5 g lateral acceleration felt on the phone into the acceleration in the vehicle's coordinate system, which is achieved through implementation of routine 1400.

It should be noted that, for the purpose of the simplicity of the description and without any loss of generality, in one or more of the examples below, it will be assumed that the various mobile device(s) 105, 160 is (are) aligned with the vehicle within which they are traveling, such as shown in FIG. 11A. That is, the coordinate system of a particular mobile device 105, 160 should be understood to be coincident with the vehicle's coordinate system, as depicted in FIG. 11A and described in greater detail in EXAMPLE 3. It should be further recognized that in practice, such as in various arrangements, such as that shown in FIG. 11B, mobile device 105, 160 is rotated with respect to the coordinate system of the vehicle in up to three dimensions. In order to correctly analyze the various inputs originating at sensors 145 of mobile device 145 within the context of the coordinate system of the vehicle, the rotation of the particular mobile device 105, 160 relative to the vehicle is preferably computed and the inputs originating at sensors 145 of the particular mobile device 105, 160 are preferably transformed into values for the coordinate system of the vehicle. This may be achieved in various ways, examples of which are provided below.

It should also be noted the several of the examples provided herein are presented from an event-centric perspective for the purpose of clarity. That is, various of the inputs originating at sensors 145 of mobile device 105, 160 have been described as corresponding to various real-world events such as turns, bumps, and/or stops. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that such event-centric descriptions are provided herein for the purposes of illustration and clarity, and are not intended in any way to be understood as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, is should be appreciated that the various determinations described herein can also be performed from a sensor-centric perspective, wherein the various inputs originating at sensors 145 are considered, irrespective of a particular real-world event to which they correspond. It should be understood that the various approaches described herein can be employed in both even-centric and sensor-centric perspectives.

It should be understood that the following examples encompass further arrangements and embodiments of the systems and methods disclosed herein.

Example 1

There are a number of inputs that can be utilized in various arrangements in order to identify one or more user determination characteristics, such as the location of a mobile device 105 and/or if a mobile device 105 is being operated by the driver or by the passenger of a car/truck/bus, such as:

As also noted above, various arrangements preferably incorporate identification of one or more of the user determination characteristics referenced above and herein. In certain arrangements, each user determination characteristic (e.g. error proportion, correlation of typing speed to acceleration etc.) can be considered as a point in a K-dimensional space. Classification algorithms based on supervised learning, as are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, can then be applied to the resulting K-dimensional signature(s) to determine the probability that the in-vehicle role of the user of mobile device 105 is a driver or a passenger.

Text Reading/Screen Viewing—User determination characteristic(s) can be identified based on patterns in the reading of text messages (or any other such text item such as an email or webpage, or any other such viewing of items on a display screen, such as during the playing of a video game) on a mobile device 105, thereby serving to distinguish between a driver and a passenger. For example, drivers tend to change the orientation of and/or move (e.g. rotate in his/her palm) mobile device 105 more frequently when attempting to read a message of a given length (in order to periodically glance back at the road), whereas a passenger will read such a message in a comparatively more constant state. This is especially true during road maneuvers that require more driver concentration, such as turns and accelerations. This phenomenon can be observed as a high degree of correlation between vehicle accelerations and/or gyroscopic rotations as detected by accelerometer 145A and gyroscope 145B, respectively, of mobile device 105 and the changes in orientation of the mobile device 160 (unrelated to movements in the vehicle) as measured by one or more of accelerometer 145A, gyroscope 145B, GPS 145C and magnetometer 145E and, in particular, the presence or absence of a (non-vehicle related) mobile device movements just prior to vehicle movements. Preferably, once this correlation reaches or exceeds a certain threshold, the in-vehicle role of the user of mobile device 105 can be determined to be a driver and/or once this correlation reaches or exceeds another certain threshold, the in-vehicle role of the user of mobile device 105 can be determined to be a passenger.

Driver-Specific Movements—Various movements and/or forces can be detected by one or more of sensors 145 of mobile device 105 that can be determined to be unique to a driver. In the alternative, a lack of perception of such unique forces, such as “signature” forces at a mobile device 105 can indicate that the user of such a device is not a driver and is thus a passenger. When in contact with a device 105 (such as when holding it), a driver influences the movement of a mobile device 105 through driver-related actions that include pressing and releasing the gas/brake/clutch pedals and by moving his/her foot from one pedal to another over the course of driving. For example, prior to a period of strong and prolonged acceleration perceived by accelerometer 145A of mobile device 105 (which is typically due to acceleration, braking, and/or wheel rotation), there is a smaller, different acceleration and/or angular movement perceived slightly (in the 100's of milliseconds) in advance, such as at one or more of sensors 145, that originates at the driver's body maneuver (such as the pressing of a gas pedal) that initiates the acceleration of the vehicle. A driver also causes a mobile device 105 to move by rotating the steering wheel. Thus, in a case where a mobile device 105 is in contact with a driver turning a steering wheel, various of sensors 145, such as accelerometers 145A and/or gyroscope 145B of mobile device 105 can detect certain accelerations and rotations. Based on a retrospective analysis of such inputs—for instance, analyzing inputs corresponding to acceleration of a car with inputs perceived immediately prior—it can be determined whether the user operating such a mobile device 105 is a driver or a passenger. If such unique/signature forces are perceived in close proximity (generally, immediately before) acceleration, etc., it can be determined that the user is a driver. Conversely, if such inputs are not detected immediately prior to acceleration, it can be determined that the user is a passenger (provided that the user is in physical contact or communication with mobile device 105).

By way of further illustration, prior to a period of strong and prolonged lateral acceleration and/or gyroscopic yaw perceived by accelerometer 145A and gyroscope 145B of mobile device 105 due to turning, there is a smaller, different acceleration and/or angular movement perceived slightly (in the 100's of milliseconds) in advance that originates at the driver's body maneuver that initiates the turning of the steering wheel and that is unlikely to be that of a passenger.

This approach can be also applied to other driver movements (e.g., looking in the mirrors, turning on the directional signal), wherein the driver's movements will be detected on mobile device 105 that is in contact with the driver slightly before another signal is detected (e.g., accelerometer 145A or gyroscope 145B for looking in mirrors, microphone 145D for turning on directional), on mobile device 105, whereas these serial relationships will not be present if mobile device 105 is being operated by a passenger.

In certain implementations, a device determined to be located within a vehicle can process various inputs, such as in order to characterize/determine the nature of a particular movement of the vehicle. For example, various inputs can be processed in order to differentiate between a vehicle that has recently stopped moving and is likely to continue its present trip (e.g., stopped at a red light or stopped in traffic) from a vehicle that has recently stopped moving and is relatively likely to have finished its present trip. In doing so, it can be determined when usage/operational restrictions (such as those described herein) employed with respect to a device determined to be operated by a driver of a vehicle should be lifted or otherwise modified/eased (e.g., upon determining that the vehicle is relatively likely to have finished its present trip, as opposed to only coming to a temporary stop), such as in the manner described herein.

FIG. 35 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both. At 3505 one or more inputs can be received, such as in relation to a user device. At 3510, at least one of the one or more inputs can be processed. In certain implementations, at least one of the one or more inputs can be processed in order to determine one or more mobility characteristics of the device. Moreover, in certain implementations one of the one or more inputs can be processed based on a determination of a mobility stoppage, such as in relation to the user device. In certain implementations, one or more inputs that are chronologically proximate to the mobility stoppage can be processed, such as in order to determine one or more mobility characteristics of the device. Moreover, in certain implementations the one or more mobility characteristics can include at least one of (a) a permanent stop or (b) a temporary stop. Moreover, in certain implementations, at least one of the one or more inputs can be processed in relation to one or more data items, such as in order to determine one or more mobility characteristics of the device. In certain implementations, the one or more data items can include at least one of: map data, traffic signal data, or traffic condition data. At 3515, one or more restrictions can be selectively adjusted, such as in relation to the user device. In certain implementations, one or more restrictions can be selectively adjusted based on the one or more mobility characteristics.

FIG. 36 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both. At 3605 an indication of a completion of a trip can be received, such as in relation to a user device. At 3610, one or more inputs can be processed, such as in order to determine one or more mobility characteristics of the user device. In certain implementations, such one or more inputs can be processed based on the indication. At 3615, the one or more mobility characteristics can be processed, such as in order to determine a veracity of the indication. In certain implementations, the one or more mobility characteristics can be processed in relation to the indication. At 3620, one or more restrictions can be selectively adjusted, such as in relation to the user device. In certain implementations, one or more restrictions can be selectively adjusted based on the veracity. In certain implementations, one or more restrictions can be maintained, irrespective of a subsequent indication of a completion of a trip.

In one implementation, one or more inputs that correspond to the behavior or operation of a vehicle prior to its stop, such as those originating at the accelerometer, GPS, magnetometer, and/or gyroscope of the device can be processed, for example, in order to determine whether the vehicle traveled in reverse one or more times just before it stopped (indicating parallel parking), and/or whether the vehicle performed a turn in the period of time just preceding its stop (indicating entry into a parking lot or a driveway).

In another implementation, the frequency and/or length of stops (as determined based on a processing of one or more of the inputs referenced herein) made in the time prior to the current stop can be used to differentiate between these two states (i.e., between a temporary and a permanent stop). A vehicle determined to have made stops (of various lengths) in the recent past and/or in close proximity to the location of the current stop and/or is on a travel route determined to be consistent with the previous stops, can be determined to be relatively more likely to be stuck in traffic than a vehicle that has not.

In another implementation one or more inputs originating at a device's location sensitive sensor/radio (e.g., the GPS of the device) can be processed to determine (a) whether the vehicle is near a traffic light, (b) whether the acceleration/deceleration of the vehicle (i.e., stopping and going) correlates with the changes in the traffic lights (e.g., their green—yellow—red pattern) on the route that the vehicle is determined to be traveling, and/or (c) whether the vehicle is on a road that currently has heavy traffic that could be the cause of the stops observed, as can be aided by data originating at one or more traffic density services (e.g., Waze, DeCell, etc.).

FIG. 53 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both.

At 5310, one or more inputs can be received. In certain implementations, such inputs can be received in relation to a geographic location (e.g., one or more coordinates, a location on a map, an address, etc.). Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced inputs can correspond to an incidence of deceleration (e.g., slowing down, stopping, etc., such as of a vehicle).

In certain implementations, the referenced geographic location can include, incorporate, and/or otherwise be associated with information, parameters, metadata, etc., such as may reflect or otherwise pertain to a presence of a stop sign, traffic light, a parking lot, parking spot, a non-temporary location such as an office or home, etc. (and/or any other such status or indication that may reflect a likelihood that a vehicle stopping there may be likely to maintain such a stop for a relatively short time, such as at a stop sign or traffic light, or a relatively longer time, such as at a parking spot or parking lot) at the geographic location. As described herein, the presence of such items at/in relation to the location can be used/accounted for in determining whether the incidence of deceleration (e.g., the stopping of a vehicle) is likely to be maintained for a relatively shorter time duration (e.g., in the case of a vehicle stopping at a stop sign) or a relatively longer time duration (e.g., in the case of a vehicle stopping in a parking lot or parking spot).

Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced geographic location can include information pertaining to one or more previous incidences of deceleration at the geographic location. That is, as described herein, a history or log of previous deceleration/stopping instances can be utilized/accounted for in determining whether a deceleration instance (e.g., the stopping of a vehicle) in a particular location is likely to be for a relatively shorter time duration (e.g., temporary) or for a relatively longer time duration. Thus, a location with respect to which it can be observed or determined that several or many of the previous deceleration instances were for a relatively shorter time duration can be identified/classified as a short term stop location, while a location with respect to which it can be observed or determined that several or many of the previous deceleration instances were for a relatively longer time duration can be identified/classified as a longer term stop location. Additionally, in certain implementations, such previous incidences of deceleration (e.g., at the geographic location) can include one or more previous incidences of deceleration at the geographic location that are associated with a user that is associated with a device (e.g., the device with respect to which a restriction is to be modified, such as at 5330). That is, a user or driver's personal history or log can be accounted for in determining whether a location is a short or long term stopping location. For example, with respect to a location that may otherwise be determined to be a short term stopping location (e.g., near a stop sign), in a scenario in which multiple long term stopping instances can be observed/identified at such a location with respect to a particular user (e.g., on account of the fact that the user's driveway is nearby), such a location can be determined to be a long term stopping location with respect to that user.

In certain implementations, the referenced inputs can be received in relation to an approach towards the geographic location (e.g., as described herein, when the referenced deceleration occurs in relation to an approach towards the location, as opposed to a departure from the location). In such a scenario, the referenced geographic location can be determined to be a relatively shorter term stopping location. In such a scenario (as well as in other scenarios, such as are described herein), based on a determination that the incidence of deceleration is relatively likely to be maintained for a relatively shorter time duration (corresponding to a temporary stop, such as at a stop sign), an implementation of a restriction can be maintained at the device, such as is described herein.

In certain implementations, the referenced inputs can be received subsequent to a departure from the geographic location (e.g., an incidence of deceleration/stopping after a vehicle passes a stop sign or traffic light). As described herein, in such a scenario, the referenced geographic location can be determined to be a relatively longer term stopping location. Moreover, in such a scenario, an implementation of a restriction at the referenced device can be modified upon such a determination (e.g., a determination that the incidence of deceleration occurred subsequent to the departure from the geographic location).

In certain implementations, information pertaining to one or more previous incidences of deceleration at a geographic location that are associated with a user that is associated with a device (e.g., a short/longer term stop history associated with a user) can be received or otherwise identified or accounted for based on a relative prevalence of other locations within a defined proximity to the geographic location that are determined to be relatively shorter term stopping locations. For example, as described herein, upon determining that there are several other short term stopping locations within a certain distance of a particular location, a stopping history associated with a user can be utilized/accounted for to determine if the particular location is (or is not) likely to be a short term stopping location (e.g., with respect to the user).

At 5320, the one or more inputs (such as those received at 5310) can be processed. In certain implementations, such inputs can be processed in relation to a geographic location (such as a geographic location in relation to which they were received). In doing so, a relative likelihood that the incidence of deceleration is to be maintained for a relatively shorter time duration and/or a relatively longer time duration can be determined.

Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced inputs (such as those received at 5310) can be processed in relation to one or more signals that are perceptible to a device (e.g., wireless signals such as WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.). In doing so, determine a relative likelihood that the incidence of deceleration is to be maintained for a relatively shorter time duration and/or a relatively longer time duration can be determined, such as is described herein.

In certain implementations, the referenced inputs can be processed in relation to a geographic location (such as the location with respect to which the inputs were received) and/or a relative prevalence of other locations within a defined proximity to the geographic location that are determined to be relatively shorter term stopping locations. In doing so, a relative likelihood that the incidence of deceleration is relatively likely to be maintained for a relatively shorter (or longer) time duration can be determined.

In certain implementations, the referenced inputs can be processed in relation to a geographic location and/or one or more chronological characteristics (e.g., a time of day, a day of week, or a day of month, reflecting, for example, that a particular location may be a temporary stopping location at a certain time/date—e.g., during rush hour on weekdays—but not at other times/dates). In doing so, a relative likelihood that the incidence of deceleration is relatively likely to be maintained for a relatively shorter (or longer) time duration can be determined, such as is described herein.

In certain implementations, the referenced inputs can be processed in relation to one or more factors, characteristics, aspects, etc., including but not limited to: the geographic location, weather conditions, traffic conditions, date/time conditions, etc. (as described herein, a particular location may be a temporary stopping location when such factors are present, but a longer term stopping location when they are absent). In doing so, a relative likelihood that the incidence of deceleration is relatively likely to be maintained for a relatively shorter (or longer) time duration can be determined.

At 5330, an implementation or application of one or more restriction(s) can be modified. In certain implementations, such restriction(s) may be employed at, on, and/or in relation to a device (e.g., a smartphone or any other such device). Moreover, in certain implementations an implementation or application of such restriction(s) can be modified based on a determination (such as at 5320) that the incidence of deceleration is relatively likely to be maintained for a relatively longer time duration.

In certain implementations, a threshold can be adjusted. Such a threshold may define a chronological interval upon expiration of which the implementation of the restriction can be modified (e.g., eased or removed/disabled), such as is described herein.

In certain implementations, a notification can be provided (e.g., at/in relation to the referenced device). Such a notification can, for example, reflect a time duration (e.g., a countdown timer) upon expiration of which an implementation of the referenced restriction is to be modified. In certain implementations, such a time duration can be defined based on a relative likelihood that the incidence of deceleration is to be maintained for a relatively shorter time duration (in which case a relatively shorter time duration can be utilized and/or a relatively longer time duration (in which case a relatively longer time duration can be utilized).

In certain implementations, a selectable control can be provided, e.g., at an interface of the device. When selected, such a control can initiate a modification of the implementation of the restriction, such as is described herein. In certain implementations, as described herein, such a control can be provided based on a determination that the referenced incidence of deceleration is relatively likely to be maintained for a relatively longer time duration as well a determination that the device is not moving faster than a defined speed threshold, and/or a determination that the perceptibility of one or more access points (e.g., WiFi access points, etc.) does not change over a defined chronological interval, such as is described herein.

By way of further illustration, it can be advantageous to differentiate between incidences of relatively short or shorter term/temporary deceleration/stopping (e.g., stops that are likely to last for a relatively short period of time) from those that are more likely to continue be for a relatively longer length of time (as noted, the location where a trip has stopped as well as whether it has stopped can be determined using one or more mobile device sensors, including, but not limited to, GPS, cellular radio, WiFi radio, Bluetooth, accelerometers, gyroscopes, etc. as are known to those of ordinary skill in the art and a trip that is likely to end soon can be determined using one or more of such sensors, as well as historical information about the locational behavior of the device in question and/or other devices). In doing so, for example, one or more applications (such as those operating on and/or in relation to a device) can determine whether or not to continue implementing one or more restrictions (e.g., in relation to a device determined to be operated by a driver), such as during a temporary/short stop, or whether to remove one or more restrictions and/or to return full device access/operation (e.g., in relation to a device determined to be operated by a driver), such as during a relatively longer stop.

In one implementation, a determination as to which stops are more likely to be temporary/short and which are more likely to be longer can be achieved by associating various determinations of acceleration, deceleration, and/or stopping/starting a trip (and during the intervals between them) (e.g., using clustering, grouping, characterizing, classifying (e.g, kNN) etc., techniques, as are known to those of ordinary skill in the art) with the respective characteristics of the location (e.g., geographic location, one or more devices, e.g., RF/wireless devices, and/or signals that are present/perceptible in a location) in which they occur (e.g., as determined using one or more of GPS, WiFi, cellular, BT on a mobile device and/or the vehicle in which the device is traveling). It should be understood that such determinations can be made by using data acquired from a single device and/or multiple devices (e.g., via ‘crowdsourcing’). In doing so, the locations of landmarks such as traffic lights, stop signs (e.g., if a sufficiently high time frequency sampling is used to identify stops of such length) and additional locations that may be less apparent/obvious (e.g., those that pertain to traffic patterns that cause temporary stops at locations other than traffic lights and stop signs), all of which can cause various types of ‘stops’ during a trip, can be identified.

In one implementation in a scenario in which the referenced input(s) (e.g., from one or more sensors on a device) can be determined to indicate that there is an increased probability that that the device has stopped moving (or, in some implementations even without such an indication(s)), various characteristics of previous stops (e.g., quantity, frequency, mean length, median length, variability and other moments of such lengths, cumulative length, days with stops, etc.) associated with the device (and/or other devices), in a scenario in which it determined that it was within, for example, a 100 m radius of the current location, can be utilized or otherwise accounted for in determining whether the location is a temporary stopping location (‘TSL’), a long-term stopping location (‘LSL’) or neither (or, both). Alternatively and/or in addition, in lieu of associating the geo-locations of the device with TSLs and/or LSLs, the identity of various transmitters (e.g. cell towers, WiFi access points, Bluetooth devices, etc.) can be associated with TSLs and LSLs (e.g., if the last 25 times a device perceived a WiFi AP having a MAC address of 12:34:56:78:9A:BC, the device was also determined to have stopped for 1 hour, upon subsequently perceiving this address, it can be determined that it is at an LSL).

In another implementation, in addition to (or instead of) the various techniques described herein, determining whether a particular stop is likely to be temporary/short or longer can be achieved by associating various incidences/determinations of stopping/starting during a trip (and the intervals between them) (e.g., using clustering, grouping, characterizing, etc., techniques, as are known to those of ordinary skill in the art) with the respective signals (e.g., wireless signals, such as WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.) that are perceptible to the device when they occur. It should be understood that such determinations can be made with respect to a single device and/or multiple devices (‘crowdsourcing’). When one or more wireless signals that has been associated with stopping/starting is observed, a determination may be made as to the likely length of the stop (e.g., short or long). For example, if 14 of the last 15 times that (i) an input from one or more sensors (such as those incorporated within the device) indicated that the time for which the likelihood that the device was stopped was sufficiently high (e.g., greater than a certain threshold value); and (ii) the device was in the presence of or could otherwise perceive a WiFi signal with BSSID 11:22:33:44:55:66 with a signal strength greater than −80 dbm, and the device now perceives/is in the proximity of this BSSID address again (and its signal strength is sufficiently high), the device can be determined to be stopped.

In another implementation, a determination can be made without even considering inputs from the referenced sensors so that, for example, if the 14 of the last 15 times that the device was in the presence of BSSID 11:22:33:44:55:66 with a signal strength greater than −80 dbm it was stopped and the device is now in the proximity of this BSSID again (and its signal strength is sufficiently high), it can be determined to be stopped.

Upon determining that a device is at a temporary stopping location (“TSL”), it can be further determined/assumed that the device is still within a trip (even though it is not currently moving), such as for a longer period of time than if the device were not at a TSL. Accordingly, upon determining that the device is present in/at a TSL, a relatively higher stopping threshold can be implemented before such a stop can be determined to be a long (i.e., non-temporary) stop. It can be appreciated that such a configuration can enable an application to account for stops determined to be at TSLs differently than stops determined to have occurred at other locations, thereby reducing the incidence of incorrect, premature trip end determinations in scenarios where the device is stopped at a TSL and/or reducing the latency at which trip end determinations are made at locations that are not TSL. For example, a restriction implemented in relation to a device while the device is being operated by a driver and/or is present in a trip, can be removed/modified relatively more quickly at the non-temporary end of a trip (thereby improving the accuracy and overall user experience of applications that account for such stops), while also preventing unauthorized/unsafe operation of the device in scenarios where a device has only stopped temporarily.

Alternatively, or in addition, stopping locations in which devices tend to stop for longer periods of time can be determined by virtue of the fact that moving devices that reach this location tend to stay there for more than a certain amount of time, e.g., a parking lot, a driveway. When a device is at such a long stopping location (‘LSL’), it can be determined to have finished a trip relatively faster (e.g., requiring a relatively shorter time threshold to have passed during which traveling is not perceived/determined) than would otherwise be assumed, such as in another location (e.g., a location not determined to be an LSL). In doing so, stops occurring in locations determined to be LSLs can be accounted for differently than stops occurring at other locations and, thereby enabling determinations of trip ends with lower latency and reducing the likelihood of a false trip end determination, such as when the device is stopped at a TSL. For example, restrictions implemented at a device while driving/in a trip can be removed/modified relatively more quickly upon determining that the device has stopped at an LSL (in contrast to other locations with respect to which a relatively higher threshold, such as a time threshold, may be required before removing/modifying comparable restrictions).

In certain implementations, TSL/LSL information that is specific to a particular device can be accounted for in conjunction with TSL/LSL information generated/associated with a larger population of devices. For example, if a particular intersection is identified as a TSL and a user happens to park in a parking lot that is located very close to such intersection, the user would be deemed to be at a TSL even though his (personal) stop was longer than temporary. This might cause, for example, a less positive user experience because, based on the device being stopped at a TSL, the device may be configured to take relatively longer to lift selective restrictions from the device (in light of being present in a TSL, as described herein). But, if the parking-lot-near-intersection location was one in which the device frequented regularly (e.g., it was the parking lot for his company that he visited most weekdays), such a location can be identified as an LSL for that user, while still being identified as a TSL for the general population, and the restrictions can be lifted/modified relatively more quickly, thereby improving the experience for that user.

In certain implementations, various configurations of the technologies described herein can be implemented based upon the TSL-density, the population density and/or some other density metric, of the location the device is in. For example, in a dense urban location, e.g., New York City, where there is a very dense packing of TSLs (e.g., many traffic lights), a system using TSLs/LSLs can be configured to place relatively less weight on information derived from a population of devices and place more weight on the information of a particular device than it otherwise would (e.g., in other locations).

The techniques described herein can be configured to account for the fact that TSLs (e.g., traffic lights, stop signs) and LSLs (e.g., parking lots), often have more than one direction of approach. For example, knowing the direction in which a vehicle travelled past or approached a TSL can provide additional information which can, among other things, be used to improve the accuracy and latency of the trip-end determination, e.g., if a device in a trip crosses a TSL, e.g., from south to north and then, after 100 m, stops, it is more likely to be at an actual trip end than a vehicle that approaches the TSL from the north, and stops 100 m north of the TSL but has not yet crossed it.

The described techniques can be further configured to define/associate locations as TSLs (or non-TSLs) only under or during specific conditions. For example a certain location may only exhibit behavior as a TSL during certain times of days/days of week (e.g., during weekday rush hour), during certain climatic conditions (e.g., rain, snow) or during certain traffic conditions (e.g., real-time traffic conditions as provided by various mobile applications and/or road infrastructure).

For example, an application that does not account for TSLs/LSLs, may be configured to lift/modify a selective restriction (e.g., on driver devices) after the device has been determined not to have been in a trip for 2 minutes. The result is that a driver who has permanently ended his/her trip will continue to be restricted from utilizing his/her device (e.g., in one or more ways that pertain to such restrictions) until 2 minutes have elapsed (a potentially frustrating result for many users) while a driver stopped at a red traffic light for three minutes (i.e., for a duration exceeding the referenced threshold) would be able to access his/her devices during the latter part of the red traffic light (and perhaps for some period of time point after the light changes and driving resumes), despite still being present in an active trip. However, in an application configured to determine/account for TSL/LSLs, if the device is determined to have stopped at an LSL, the selective restrictions implemented with respect to the device can be lifted/modified faster, for example, after one minute (resulting in a better experience for the user), whereas if the device is determined to have stopped at a TSL, the selective restrictions implemented with respect to the device can be lifted/modified more slowly, for example, after 3 minutes (resulting in a safer experience, both for the user and society). In a scenario where the device is determined to have stopped at a location that is determined/identified to be neither a TSL nor an LSL (or cannot be determined to be a TSL or an LSL), a potentially different waiting period, for example, 2 minutes can be implemented.

Moreover, data originating from various sources (e.g., a database of traffic lights locations or parking lots) can also be utilized in determining/defining TLSs and LSLs, such as in conjunction with the techniques described herein. It should be noted that the level of detail of the information that is available through such databases may not include things like the length of a light for travelers in each direction at different date/times. The speed at which new information is available may be higher with “field-determined” TSLs/LSLs using mobile devices than will numerous, possibly-governmental databases.

Moreover, the various techniques described herein can be further configured to account for the fact that the locations of TSLs and LSLs may change over time, e.g., new traffic lights are installed, parking lots are built and destroyed etc. and the corresponding locations/associations that pertain to such TSL/LSL locations can be adjusted dynamically over time, such as in a manner known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The various trip-end detection techniques described herein can be implemented with respect to parking assistance applications, whereby a determination as to whether a stop has occurred at a TSL (or an LSL) can enable a further determination as to whether a user has parked (and, for example, record and/or dissemination such a parked location [e.g., reflecting that one less space is available in a parking lot] and/or initiate payment arrangement for such parking) or whether such a user has just stopped temporarily in which case one or more of such determinations/functions may not be appropriate.

At 5340, content (e.g., sponsored content such as advertisements), such as content pertaining to a geographic location (e.g., the geographic location with respect to which the inputs received at 5310 are associated) can be identified. In certain implementations, such content can be identified based on a determination (such as at 5320) that the incidence of deceleration is relatively likely to be maintained for a relatively longer time duration.

At 5350, content (such as the content identified at 5340) can be provided. In certain implementations, such content can be provided at, on, and/or in relation to a device (such as the device with respect to which the inputs were received at 5310). Moreover, in certain implementations such content can be provided based on a determination (such as at 5320) that the incidence of deceleration is relatively likely to be maintained for a relatively longer time duration, such as is described herein.

By way of illustration, determining whether a stop has occurred at a TSL (or an LSL) can enable the providing of more appropriate/targeted advertisements (e.g., to the user). For example, a user determined to have stopped permanently may be relatively more interested in dining opportunities in the area in which they stopped, whereas the same would be far less appropriate (and perhaps even distracting and dangerous) for a user who has only stopped temporarily.

In addition, long term trip ends can also be determined/assumed to have occurred if the user initiates one or more actions with respect to parking (e.g., user pays for parking with app) or can be determined to be likely to soon occur (e.g., user looks for parking with app, user nears the location in which she has reserved a spot), such as if the user engages a parking application on the mobile device (e.g., launch, bring to foreground, reserves a space) and/or depending upon what actions that user takes in such application.

It should be noted that, in certain implementations, TSLs and/or LSLs can have different degrees/magnitudes. For example, at some TSLs (e.g., a long red light), the time that a device spends at or near that location is relatively longer (e.g., 5 minutes), whereas at other TSLs (e.g., a short red light) the time the device spends at/ear that location is relatively shorter (e.g., 30 seconds).

Moreover, in certain implementations, in addition to (and/or instead of) determining or ‘learning’ the referenced TSLs and LSLs (e.g., using machine learning techniques as are known to those of ordinary skill in the art), the user (or another person knowledgeable about the user's travel patterns, e.g., an employer) can provide various input(s) as to one or more such locations at which she often makes LSLs (e.g., home driveway, work parking lot, etc.) or TSLs and device restrictions can be modified based upon the presence of the device in or near such one or more locations (e.g., as determined by GPS, WiFi access points or other signals) and, in certain implementations, further in conjunction with other inputs (e.g., speed, motion, etc.). For example, one or more restrictions employed on a device that was previously determined to be in a trip can be relaxed upon determining that the device is in (or near) the work parking lot (where the work parking lot is contained in the list of user input LSLs) and the device is moving at less than 10 km/h for 15 seconds.

In certain implementations, a device can be determined to be at an LSL when (or just before, or just after) it enters a region that is known to be an LSL for that user and/or for a group of users. By monitoring the location of the device relative to LSLs and dynamically throttling/adjusting such monitoring (e.g., frequency, intensively, sensor(s)/radio(s) used) based upon the distance that the device is from an LSL (and/or the likelihood that the device will enter an LSL soon), the amount of power used to enable the device to determine that it is entering (or is about to enter or has just entered) an LSL “just-in-time” can be greatly reduced. For example, if a device is 10 kilometers from its nearest known LSL, and the estimated time to reach the nearest LSL is 15 minutes, there is no need to check if the device is near the LSL for, perhaps, 14 minutes. The check at 14 minutes can be done with a low power sensor (e.g., cellular radio, WiFi scan) to see how the device has progressed relative to the LSL. In certain implementations, if the device is nearing the LSL, a more accurate, higher power consuming sensor (e.g., GPS) can be turned on so that, when the device stops and is in an LSL one or more device restrictions can be modified immediately.

In certain implementations, an interface indicator/notification can be made visible or otherwise enabled when a one or more condition(s) have been met (e.g., the device/vehicle is determined to be moving at a low speed, short distance, with few/small WiFi changes, cell tower changes, etc.). Such an indicator/notification can, for example, notify or inform the user of the amount of time remaining until one or more restrictions (such as those that were employed based on a determination that the user was driving/the vehicle was moving) will be relaxed, removed, etc. In certain implementations, such an indicator/notification may not be visible or may be disabled when one or more condition(s) are met (e.g., high speed, long distance, many/large WiFi changes, cell tower changes, etc.).

It should also be noted that the methods contained above may consist of the device also using information from vehicle data system 164 (e.g., OBDII), e.g., the speed of the vehicle and/or the gear in which the vehicle is engaged.

It can be appreciated that, in certain scenarios, one or more ‘trade-off(s)’ or compromise(s) may need to be made with respect to how to process determinations pertaining to temporary stops/slow-downs in movement in order to determine when a device is in a moving vehicle and thereby selectively restricting functionality of the device on that basis (i.e., should the trip be determined to be over, in which case the selective restriction should be removed, or is the vehicle stopped, such as at a red light, in which case perhaps the selective restrictions should not be lifted). It can be further appreciated that implementing a ‘timeout’ period (e.g., determining that a trip is over after a determination that a device has not moved for X minutes) can entail certain shortcomings. For example, drivers who have ended their trip and want to use their devices prior to the end of X minutes will be frustrated with such a restriction and drivers who are still within their trip, and who are stopped/moving slowly for more than X minutes (e.g., heavy traffic, long light) may nevertheless be able to use their devices which is dangerous/illegal.

Accordingly, in certain implementations an “honor system” can be employed, whereby drivers can self-declare their trips to have ended by providing/inputting such a declaration/indication to the device (e.g., via touch, voice, visual (e.g., gesture), shake etc. input), based upon which one or more restrictions can be modified, eased, or otherwise removed from the device without having to wait until a determination is made that the device is static/slow for a certain period of time.

If, however, a determination that the device is present within a trip is made within a certain period of time after the referenced self-declaration of a trip end is received, the user of such as device and/or the device itself can be given/ascribed a “strike.” Upon accumulating more than a certain number of strikes, the referenced self-declaration mechanism/technique can be disabled or otherwise cease to work (or will be made to work less effectively), such as with respect to the particular user and/or the particular device. Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced “strikes” may subsequently be canceled or otherwise “evaporate” based on different events (e.g., the passage of a certain amount of time, such as each strike expiring one week after it is created, the travelling of a certain distance—each strike expires 10 driving hours after it was created), etc.

In another implementation, a driver who has completed a trip can self-declare a trip to be over (such as in the manner described above), and such a self-declaration can cause an immediate (or shortly thereafter) determination to be triggered by acquiring sensor information and/or other information to determine, as soon as possible, whether or not the trip has ended (i.e., sooner than would otherwise be determined using various other techniques). Such a feature can be advantageous, for example, in settings where, in an attempt to save power, the various data acquired to determine whether or not a trip has ended are acquired with latency (e.g., with delay, in duty cycles) and/or at less than the fastest sampling rates possible. Accordingly, by acquiring one or more of the referenced data items relatively more quickly (such as upon receiving an indication, such as from a user, that the trip has concluded) one or more of the determinations that can be made in order to lift/remove the referenced selective restriction(s) can be initiated relatively faster/sooner. Stated differently, such technique(s) can enable ongoing power-saving techniques to be applied more readily while reducing the degradation to the user experience.

In another implementation, a similar technique can be used to allow a user to cause the device to immediately (or relatively more quickly that it would ordinarily have) re-check or re-query whether or not it is in a trip. Such a technique can be advantageous, for example, in situations in which the device was determined to be present within a trip when, in actuality, it was not (false positive) and/or in situations in which the device was determined not to be present within a trip when, in actuality, it was (false negatives).

Moreover, upon determining that a device is present within a trip, it can be advantageous to apply different (or asymmetric) methods to determine whether or not the trip has ended, such as based upon whether the device is being operated by a driver or a passenger. For example, the trip detection techniques (such as those described herein) employed with respect to devices determined to be operated by passengers can be eased relative to devices determined to be operated by drivers. For example, power can be saved by lowering the rate at which one or more sensors (e.g. GPS, accelerometer, cellular, Wifi, BT radios, etc.) on a device determined to be operated by a passenger are sampled in order to determine whether a trip has ended. It can be appreciated that adding a latency aspect to the detection of a trip end is not generally painful to passengers who have so authenticated because their devices do not have selective restrictions employed (or are relatively less restricted than devices determined to be operated by drivers).

In certain implementations, inputs originating from one or more low power sensors (e.g., accelerometer, gyroscope, etc.) of a device can be processed to determine an activity state of a device (e.g., stationary, walking, in-vehicle, etc.), such as based on one or more trends, patterns, etc., that can be identified within the various input(s). To the extent that an activity can be recognized with sufficiently high probability, one or more restrictions associated with such activity can be applied to and/or in relation to the device. To the extent that no activity can be recognized with sufficiently high probability, and, in particular, if it cannot be determined with sufficiently high probability whether or not the device is present within a vehicle, one or more additional sensors and/or radios and/or the same low power sensors sampling at higher rates (e.g., WiFi radio, GPS radio, accelerometer at higher sampling rate) can be activated, and inputs originating from and/or determined with respect/in relation to such sensors, etc., can be processed to determine whether the device is present within a vehicle and, based upon such determination, one or more restrictions associated with such activity can be applied.

It can be appreciated that, in many cases, inputs originating from the referenced low power sensors are likely to be sufficient to make such determination. However, in certain scenarios such a determination cannot be made with sufficiently high probability. For example, in a scenario in which a user is sitting and holding the device in his hand, e.g., engaged in a FaceTime conversation, it can be appreciated that the device is unlikely to be determined to be stationary, as it is moving during the conversation, and is also unlikely to be determined to be engaged in walking, and even if it were in a vehicle, any signals/inputs originating from the accelerometer indicating that the device was in a vehicle are unlikely to be detectable over the noise introduced by the user's movement of the device (low SNR). In such a case, for example, inputs originating from the use of additional sensors (e.g., WiFi radio, GPS radio, etc.) can provide information to determine with higher probability whether the device is present within a vehicle.

It should be noted that inputs originating from one or more motion sensors (e.g., accelerometer, gyroscope, etc.) can be processed to effectively identify trip starts (or trip stops) because the length of time for which the device sustains acceleration (or deceleration) during a vehicular trip start (or trip stop) (which may be for 20 seconds or more, in some vehicle classes), generally exceeds the length of time for which sustained acceleration can occur in any human-powered activity.

In another approach, the mobile device of a driver will, on average, display larger movements than that of a passenger measurable by sensors 145 of mobile device 105 due to the fact that the driver is likely to be holding the mobile device 105 in only one hand, whereas a passenger is more likely to be using both hands to hold a mobile device 105, or is capable of increased focus even when using only one hand to operate mobile device 105. This can preferably be done by taking the Fourier transform of a 3D acceleration function and integrating it (squared, i.e. L2-norms) over N disjoint frequency intervals, as is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The resulting 3N numbers are preferably a “signature”. The signature corresponding to a driver can be distinguished from that of a passenger using a classification algorithm, such as SVM, which has preferably been trained on sufficiently large pre-classified signature bank, as is also known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

GPS—GPS 145C of mobile device 105 can be used, preferably, in certain arrangements, in conjunction with other sensors, to identify the in-vehicle position of mobile device 105. In certain arrangements this is achieved in part based on knowledge of the lane boundaries of the road on which the vehicle is driving (based on map data or computation/observation), together with a determination of mobile device's 105 location, using GPS 145C, to be on the right or left side of such lane. If mobile device 105 is in the left part of its current lane, then it can be determined to be on the left side of the vehicle within which it is traveling, while if it is in the right part of its current lane, then it is on the right side of the vehicle. Such in-lane location calculations can further be averaged over time to increase the accuracy of the location of the mobile device 105 within its then current lane and, as a result, the accuracy of the determination of the location of mobile device 105 inside the vehicle.

It should be understood that the term “turn” as used herein can refer to a turn or any angle and/or curvature and/or any change in lateral acceleration and/or gyroscopic yaw, no matter how large or small and the comparisons described above can be applied discretely or continuously. It should also be appreciated that such inputs can be perceived at practically any time and/or interval, even those that do not necessarily correspond to “turns” as conventionally understood, and such inputs should be understood to be within the meaning of the term “turns” as used herein.

It should be understood that the term “bump” as used herein can refer to a change of any size in the upward acceleration, irrespective of positive or negative change and irrespective of how large or small and the comparisons and filtering described above can be applied discretely or continuously at regular or irregular sampling rates.

Magnetic Field—A vehicle's metallic and electrical parts influence the magnetic field in the vicinity of and inside such vehicle. A 3-axis magnetometer 145E of mobile device 105 can be used to detect these influences by measuring such magnetic field(s) at various times before and during a vehicle's operation (e.g., a car that has not yet been started will have a different magnetic signature than one in which the electric systems are operating) and by comparing them with known magnetic signatures of different in-vehicle locations in order to determine the in-vehicle location of mobile device 105. Such signatures can be universal and/or can depend on additional parameters such as vehicle model, vehicle location, etc.

For example, the major metallic component in most vehicles is the motor and in most vehicles (e.g., cars, buses), and it is normally situated in the front part of the vehicle, near the center. The magnetic field sensed by magnetometer 145E of mobile device 105 can be compared with the magnetic field that is otherwise present absent the magnetic disturbances—thereby indicating the direction of the motor. The lateral component of that direction is preferably the opposite of the left-right in-car location of mobile device 105.

User Baseline vs. Population Baseline—As described in detail above, such as with respect to step 224, in the identification of many of the user determination characteristics described above, the values and signatures measured on and/or computed with and/or in relation to mobile device 105 are compared to baseline values (which are preferably stored in one or more databases 174, 162) in order to determine if mobile device 105 is that of a driver or a passenger. In certain arrangements, such baseline values can be independent of the user (e.g., the standard deviation of the time between keystrokes for all people in the country using a particular model phone), while in other arrangements such values can be user dependent (e.g., this mobile device 105 (or this user of this mobile device 105, if such is available) usually texts at 100 characters per minute, currently he is texting at the rate of 10 characters per minute—thus the person holding it is likely driving).

Example 2

As noted above, such as at steps 222 and 223, considering multiple inputs can increase the accuracy of one or more of the determinations described herein, such as the determination of an in-vehicle role of a user of a mobile device 105, 160. This advantage is further illustrated above at steps 225 and 226, wherein inputs from multiple devices are considered in order to compute such determinations. Further illustrations of such inputs/determinations include, but are not limited to:

In-Vehicle Location—In the United States and in most other countries in the world, drivers are the left-front most occupant in a vehicle, relative to the front end of the vehicle. By identifying whether a particular mobile device 105, 160 is or is not the left-front most device within a vehicle, a determination can be made that such device 105, 160 is or is not being operated by the driver.

It should be understood that the referenced in-vehicle identification/determination is preferably achieved in conjunction with communication between mobile device 105 and one or more of mobile devices 160, whether through direct communication or through network 166. It should also be appreciated that in certain arrangements such identification(s)/determination(s) can be performed in a server-side configuration, while in other arrangements such identification(s)/determination(s) can be performed in a client-side configuration. In one such server-side configuration, one or more software modules 130 are preferably executing at the various mobile devices 105, 160. One or more of the modules configure the each of the respective devices 105, 160 to transmit its absolute location coordinates (such as those provided by GPS 145C and/or an inertial navigation system (INS) and/or its relative location (e.g., 3 meters from WiFi device #1234) to central machine 168. Central machine 168 can then process the various locations coordinates and/or relative locations received from the various devices 105, 160 in order to determine which of the various devices 105, 160 are sufficiently close to one another, over a period of time (e.g., 1 minute, 1 hour, etc.), based on which it can be determined that such devices 105, 160 are present within the same vehicle. In a client-side configuration, the mobile devices 105, 160 communicate between one another (such as through communication interface 150), exchanging absolute location and/or relative location and determining which other devices 105, 160 are in within the same vehicle, substantially in the manner described above with regard to the server-side configuration. By way of further example, in certain arrangements one of devices 105, 160 can emit a tone and/or signal (such as an audio tone), and only those devices 105, 160 that perceive the emitted tone are determined to be within close proximity of the device that emitted the tone.

In both server-side and client-side configurations, upon determining which mobile devices 105, 160 are within a particular vehicle, sensor data (that is, data originating at one or more of sensors 145, such as location coordinates from GPS 145C, or lateral accelerations during a turn) from the various devices 105, 160 can be compared with one another to determine a relative in-vehicle location of one or more of the devices 105, 160. Such relative location can be subsequently filtered to generate a real-time driver-passenger determination, providing increasing accuracy in driver/passenger identification.

Driver-Anticipatory Movements—The driver of a vehicle is generally better able to anticipate the movements of the vehicle he/she is driving as compared to the passengers because the driver is the initiator of many of the movements that the vehicle undergoes, and can thus anticipate the forces that are created as a result of the vehicle's movement. Such predictive actions can be detected by one or more of sensors 145 of mobile devices 105, 160 (e.g., accelerometer 145A and/or gyroscope 145B), and can be further processed to identify whether a particular mobile device 105, 160 is being used by a driver or a passenger. A driver instinctively tenses and/or flexes certain of his/her muscles to adjust for the vehicle movements that are about to occur on average, more adroitly (less sudden with less corrective body movement) and more quickly than a passenger does. By way of illustration, a driver anticipates and compensates for the forces experienced during a turn quicker and more accurately than a passenger in the vehicle does. Similarly, a driver anticipates and compensates for the forces experienced during sharp deceleration (braking) more quickly and more accurately than a passenger. A driver also anticipates and compensates for the forces of a lane change more quickly and more accurately than a passenger. By way of further illustration, the driver can be thought of as a dampening system which performs better than a corresponding “passenger” system, due to the driver's higher degree of consciousness, awareness, and/or anticipation. In one arrangement, one or more of the listed effects/phenomena can be detected/identified by processing one or more inputs from one or more sensors 145, such as by measuring the change in acceleration (i.e. the L2 norm of the derivative of the acceleration) over the relevant time window. In this case the acceleration is preferably further band-pass filtered to focus only on frequencies relevant to this determination, and to further exclude other driver-acceleration effects (e.g., hand-shaking, etc.) as discussed herein.

Magnetic Field: A vehicle's metallic and electrical parts influence the magnetic field in the vicinity of and inside such vehicle. Inputs originating at a 3-axis magnetometer 145E of a mobile device 105, 160 can be used to detect and determine these influences by processing such inputs to determine a magnetic field at various times before and during such vehicle's operation (e.g., a car that has not yet been started will have a different magnetic signature than one in which the electric systems are operating) and by comparing them with known magnetic signatures of different in-vehicle locations in order to determine the in-vehicle location of such device 105, 160. The presence of two or more devices within a single vehicle can influence each other's magnetic readings in a way that can be determined based on their comparison. It should be understood that in certain arrangements, such signatures are universal while in other arrangements they depend on additional parameters such as vehicle model, vehicle location, etc. In addition, comparing the magnetometer 145E inputs from more than one mobile device 105, 160 located within the same vehicle can enable a more accurate determination of the in-vehicle location of one or more of such devices.

Example 3

As noted above, the processing of the various inputs discussed herein is preferably enhanced by incorporating various additional processing operations which serve to further enhance the accuracy of the determinations that are made. Examples of such further processing operations include, but are not limited to:

Clock synchronization—As noted above, in arrangements where inputs originating from multiple devices 105, 160 are processed together (such as several of those referenced above in EXAMPLE 2), it is preferable that simultaneous timing measurements originating at the respective devices 105, 160 are compared as well. In one arrangement, this can be effectively achieved by synchronizing the internal clocks of the respective devices 105, 160. By way of illustration, a relative displacement can be estimated, and this estimate can be used to process all relevant inputs such that they are synchronized to the same clock.

Examples of such synchronization methods include: (A) processing time inputs from GPS 145C to compute a mean time displacement between GPS clock and each the clock of each device 105, 160. The difference between those displacements can be determined to be the displacement between the devices. (B) Configuring one of the devices 105, 160 to emit a sound and receiving the sound at a second device (such as at microphone 145D), and further noting the time the respective events occurred at each device (that is, the time of the emitting of the sound and the time of the receipt of the sound) and then repeating same process in reverse. The noted times can then be subtracted from one another, reflecting the time that it takes to the sound to travel, and such values will cancel themselves out, leaving twice the relevant time displacement remaining.

Orientation Detection—In discussing the processing of various inputs, such as those of accelerometer 145A and other sensors 145, it is preferably that various inputs be identified and/or separated into elements such as “forward acceleration”, “lateral acceleration” and such. These terms are relative to the car's coordinate system (e.g. “forward” is the direction of car's movement) while the raw inputs from the various sensors 145 are relative to the coordinate system of a mobile device 105, 160 (it should be understood that while the present example is described with respect to a car, substantially similar approaches can be applied to other vehicles as well). In order to transition (rotate) such inputs, the relative orientation of the mobile device 105, 160 within the coordinate system of the car is preferably established. The following figures depict the various relative coordinates of mobile device 105, 160, of a car, and of a mobile device 105, 160 within a car:

FIG. 9A depicts the relative coordinate system of mobile device 105, as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art and referenced herein.

FIG. 9B depicts the relative accelerations and gyroscopic rotations of a mobile device, as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art and referenced herein. It should be understood that although mobile device 105 is not shown in FIG. 9B for the sake of clarity, the various relative acceleration and rotations shown in this figure are relative to a mobile device in the same position as that shown in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9C depicts the gyroscopic sign convention used herein, as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art and reference herein.

FIG. 10 depicts the coordinate system used in relation to a vehicle (such as at vehicle data system 164) as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art and reference herein.

FIGS. 11A-B depict mobile device 105 and its respective coordinate system in relation to a car and its respective coordinate system. For example, as will be described in greater detail below, in certain arrangements the respective coordinate systems can be transitioned, such that it is recognized, for example, that the +Z coordinate of the car corresponds to the +Y coordinate of the mobile device 105, and the +Y coordinate of the can corresponds to the −Z coordinate of the mobile device 105, as can be appreciated with reference to FIG. 11B.

Establishing the orientation of a mobile device 105, 160 within the coordinate system of a car can be accomplished in a number of ways. By way of illustration, in a ‘static’ approach, wherein it is assumed that the relative orientation of device 105, 160 is constant (e.g., if the device is attached to a cradle or is in the pocket of unmoving passenger), the mean acceleration vector can be determined and be identified as the “down” axis. The “forward” axis can be determined by comparing/processing inputs from GPS 145C that correspond to direction angles with inputs from magnetometer 145E that reflect ‘north.’ The third axis can be computed based on the first two determined axes using vector multiplication as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art. By way of further example, inputs from the accelerometer 145A, the magnetometer 145E and the GPS 145C (e.g., heading data) can be averaged, substantially in the manner described above.

In a dynamic arrangement, inputs originating at accelerometer 145A, gyroscope 145B and/or other sensors 145 can be processed to identify real-time changes in the orientation of a device 105, 160. In addition, acceleration/magnetic/GPS figures can be generated, preferably using “sensor fusion” algorithms, as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In doing so, the above-referenced “static” approach can be utilized to dynamically determine the relative orientation of the device 105, 160.

It should be noted that the gyroscopic sign convention adopted herein is preferably such that if an observer positioned on the positive part of the axis of rotation sees the rotation as counterclockwise, it is deemed to be positive.

Low-Pass filtering—The values derived and/or computed from the various inputs originating at the various sensors 145 of mobile device 105, 160 can be frequently compromised by the vibration(s) present in car's environment (originating at the car's engine, road bumps, imperfect wheels, wind blowing through the windows, or even car audio sounds). Such vibrations can inject “noise” into the inputs originating at the various sensors 145, and can adversely affect the precision of the processing of the various algorithms disclosed here, both in terms of efficiency and final accuracy.

There are various ways that this problem can be addressed. In one arrangement, one or more of devices 105, 160 within the vehicle are attached to a dampening device. In certain arrangements such a dampening device can include one or more weight(s) that can be attached to the mobile device 105, 160 to effectively increase its mass and thus make it more vibration resistant. Additionally, dampening materials (e.g. sorbothane pads) can be attached to a device 105, 160 to prevent high frequency vibrations from passing to the mobile device 105, 160. In any event, the inputs can be preferably processed with a bounded pass filter. On such example is an FIR with 128 taps with Hamming windows.

Sensor Fusion—As has already been noted and illustrated above, various determinations can be made by processing inputs from several sensors 145 together (e.g. forward velocity inputs originating at both the accelerometer 145A and GPS 145C).

Example 4

The following scenarios illustrate additional examples of the analyzing of a first and second input and identifying the presence of a first user and a second user (such as at step 720, above):

Using one or more biometric authentication methods (as are known to those of ordinary skill in the art) to identify the presence of a first user and a second user. Such biometric authentication methods include, but are not limited to, voice recognition, fingerprint recognition, face recognition, DNA identification, and retina identification.

The following are further examples of restrictions that can be employed at a mobile device 105, such as in the manner described in detail above with reference to FIG. 7. Various of these examples impede operation of mobile device 105 by a driver moreso than they impede operation of the device by a passenger:

-   -   (a) If talking, the device is restricted to being held on the         left side (right side for U.K.) of the head/face of the user and         with an upright orientation, so that driver usage cannot be         hidden from external observers.     -   (b) If texting, mailing, browsing etc., mobile device 105 is         restricted to operating when having straight orientation (no         yaw) (adjustment can be necessary, in certain arrangements, for         a vertical/horizontal keyboard) and at least close to upright         orientation (cannot be on knee or low down so that driver cannot         “hide” the device use from external observers).     -   (c) The device interface will only function horizontally (more         difficult for driver to use).     -   (d) The device 105 is restricted to operating in one or more         ways only when camera 145F perceives a frequently moving         background (e.g., be held high, not hidden low in the driver's         lap or blocked by the steering wheel).     -   (e) The device 105 is restricted to operating in one or more         ways that can be determined to correspond to operation by a         passenger (and/or correspond to operation by a passenger of a         particular device), such as the various determinations described         in detail herein. By way of example, if no correlation (or,         alternatively, no negative correlation) is identified between         various typing tendencies and the speed, acceleration, and/or         maneuvering of a traveling vehicle, and/or a certain typing         accuracy threshold it met and/or maintained over a period of         time, it can be concluded that the user is likely a passenger.     -   (f) The device 105 is restricted to operating only when it can         be determined based on one or more inputs that the device is         under the control of a passenger and/or under the control of a         passenger using this particular device, such as the various         determinations described in detail herein. By way of example, if         relatively little “shake” is perceived at mobile device 105 over         a period of time, it can be determined that the device is under         the control of a passenger, as a passenger has the ability to         control “shake” by using both hands to steady the device—an         option not always available to drivers who generally need their         second hand to steer the vehicle.

It should also be understood that the various restrictions referenced herein can also be dependent upon the presence and/or absence of certain of the determinations disclosed herein. Thus, for example, various restrictions can be employed only when a device cannot be definitively determined to be in the rear or on the right side of a vehicle (thus suggesting that a driver can potentially be operating the device).

Example 5

In determining vehicle class or type, in certain arrangements a determination is made as to whether one or more mobile devices 105, 160 is/are present and/or in use in a vehicle. If such a determination is affirmatively made, a further determination can then be made regarding the general type or class of the vehicle (e.g., motorcycle, car, bus, train, boat, plane, etc.). This determination can then be used to further determine if there are restrictions on the mobile device usage on the part of a driver or the passenger in the vehicle. For example, if it is determined through a signature analysis (that is, an analysis of various patterns in various inputs) of an accelerometer 145A and/or gyroscope 145B and/or GPS 145C of mobile devices 105 and/or 160 that there is a high-likelihood that a particular mobile device 105, 160 is located on a train, then that the mobile device 105, 160 can remain fully operational without any operation state restrictions (assuming that no restrictions apply to anyone on the train including the conductor). If however, it is determined that a mobile device 105, 160 is being used within a car, restrictions can be applied (e.g., no phone use at all or just no texting), particularly if it is determined that the user of the mobile device 105, 160 is the driver of the car, and not a passenger.

As described in detail above, the type or class of vehicle in which a mobile device 105, 160 is located can preferably be identified and/or determined by using one or more of sensors 145 of mobile device 105. In certain arrangements, this identification/determination can be improved by using the onboard sensors of other mobile devices 160 and/or the onboard sensors (e.g., vehicle data system 164) of the vehicle in which mobile device 105 is traveling. As noted above, being that different vehicles operate in perceptibly different ways (which, in turn, reflect different patterns that are perceptible to one or more of sensors 145), the signature of one or more of sensors 145 of mobile device 105 (and/or other mobile devices 160) present and/or used in relation to each of the following vehicles is identifiable within a certain degree of accuracy:

It should be understood that in certain implementations, a device can be authenticated (e.g., determined to be likely to be operated by a user who is a passenger) if it can be determined that the user of the device is able to perform one or more actions (such as providing certain inputs) and/or demonstrate/provide evidence of certain situations (such as providing photographic/videographic documentation of such situations) that a user who is simultaneously driving a vehicle would not be reasonably capable of doing. As described in detail herein, examples of such methods of authentication include: if, while having determined that the vehicle (within which the mobile device is present) is in motion, the user of the device can be determined to be capable of (a) performing an action in a different part of the vehicle (such as in an area of the vehicle where the driver could not reasonably sit and/or reach); (b) holding his/her look/gaze (i.e., maintain focus of his/her eyes) in a direction (such as towards the mobile device) that is not towards the road ahead, for a defined/sufficiently long period of time; (c) using/interacting with the device with two hands for a sufficiently long period of time/performing one or more tactile gestures that require substantially simultaneous use of both hands of the user (it should be noted that the terms “tactile gesture” and “tactile gestures” as used herein are intended to encompass inputs and/or interactions that are provided by a user in a tactile manner, such as through physical interaction with one or more media, elements, and/or components with one or more fingers or hands of a user, examples of which including pressing buttons, and performing gestures such as taps, swipes, and/or other such interactions with a touchscreen or touchpad); (d) configuring the device to record a visual capture (e.g., take a picture or video) within which one or more indicators (that is, elements or aspects that can be perceived within the visual capture) that would be difficult/impossible for a driver to capture, are present (examples of such indicators include: (i) the presence of a passenger's seatbelt, as described herein, (ii) the presence of a steering wheel with two hands on it, as described herein, (iii) the presence of the eyes/face/smile etc. of the user, as captured from below, above, and/or from the side (it can be appreciated that in scenarios where there is little or no external light other than the interior overhead lighting of the vehicle, such as at night, it can be preferable to take a picture from above and/or from the side, such that the overhead interior lighting within the vehicle does not interfere considerably with the visual capture) wherein the steering wheel of the vehicle is not present in the visual capture, and/or (iv) the presence of the feet of the user in a position that is difficult/impossible for a driver to achieve, etc.), etc.

As described herein, in certain implementations, the device user can be prompted to provide one or more inputs in order to authenticate that s/he is a passenger. Examples of such authentication methods/approaches include performing an action or a set of actions, such as providing one or more alphanumeric inputs in response to a CAPTCHA prompt (as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art), providing one or more inputs during the course of interacting with a game, providing one or more inputs in attempting to solve a puzzle, a lock screen, etc. It can be appreciated that such authentication approaches/methods can be configured to require a significant degree of concentration (and/or prolonged concentration) on the part of the user, such that such authentication approaches/methods are too difficult to be successfully performed (and/or consistently successfully performed) by a driver of a moving vehicle (who, presumably, must concentrate on the road ahead). Such authentication approaches/methods can be further improved by configuring them to require that (a) the authentication can only be successfully completed (e.g., authenticating the user of the device as the passenger) when the user uses both hands simultaneously (as described in detail herein); and/or (b) the authentication can only be successfully completed when the required inputs are provided such that the user cannot simultaneously see the road ahead while performing the authentication (such as by making the user tilt his/her head and/or eyes down or up or right or left, e.g., by requiring that the device be held flat and/or placed in the user's lap or on the seat between the user's legs, as described herein, and/or by requiring that the user look directly in to the device in the manners described herein).

In another implementation, in order to provide the necessary inputs in order to authenticate the mobile device (e.g., to authenticate a user of the device as a passenger in a vehicle), various restrictions can configure the mobile device to require that the device be placed or held flat (such that the z-accelerometer of the device indicates the approximate value of gravity, e.g., when the device is positioned in the user's lap or on the seat between the user's legs), and user tilts his/her head so that the camera(s) of the device can detect the eyes, gaze, face, and/or smile etc. of a person (not necessarily limited to a particular person), preferably for a certain minimum period of time (controlling, in certain implementations, for blinking and similar effects). It can be appreciated that such authentications can be achieved using a forward-facing camera (e.g., a camera on the side of the device that the screen is on in contemporary devices, such as the iPhone 4S produced by Apple of Cupertino, Calif., USA, and as is depicted in FIG. 15F, wherein 145F₁ corresponds to a forward-facing camera and 145F₂ corresponds to a rear-facing camera) and/or a rear-facing camera (e.g., a camera on the side of the device that the screen is not on in contemporary devices such as the iPhone 4s produced by Apple of Cupertino, Calif., USA).

It should be understood that in certain implementations, the authentication methods/approaches described herein can be configured to authenticate a user of a mobile device as a passenger upon determining the presence of the eyes/gaze/face/smile of the user, such as from within a visual capture, only when such a visual capture can be determined to have been recorded while the mobile device was positioned in a manner/orientation that precludes/prevents the user from simultaneously seeing/focusing on the road ahead. (It can be appreciated that a driver operating the mobile device would generally only be capable of positioning the device in a manner/orientation whereby the device is able to capture his/her eyes/gaze/face/smile etc. while the user is also able to see some portion of the road ahead.) This can be determined by (i) searching, such as with image processing techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art, for the eyes/gaze/face/smile etc. of the user within a field of view that is smaller than the camera's field of view; and/or (ii) by requiring the angle of incidence between the user's eyes/gaze/face/smile etc. and the device be as close to (or as far from) 90 degrees (indicating that the user is directly facing the device) as desired, such as in the manner depicted in FIG. 15G; and/or (iii) requiring that the ratio of horizontal pixels to vertical pixels of the user's eyes/gaze/face/smile etc. is consistent with the ratio present when a user looks directly into the device (and/or that the number of horizontal pixels and/or vertical pixels of the user's eyes/gaze/face/smile etc. is consistent with the number present when a user looks directly into the device), as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Moreover, in certain implementations, the authentication methods/approaches described herein can be configured to authenticate a user of a mobile device as a passenger only if the user holds the device within a certain range of distance from her eyes/gaze/face/smile etc. In doing so, it will be difficult, if not impossible, for a driver to fraudulently authenticate him/herself as a passenger by attempting to authenticate the device by holding the device close to his/her head such that the resulting visual capture recorded by the device does not contain any part of the steering wheel (as described herein). The distance can be determined, for example, based on the number of pixels in the eyes/gaze/face/smile etc., relative to the resolution of the camera and/or relative to the angle of incidence and/or using other distance measurement techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In certain implementations, the authentication methods/approaches described herein can be configured to authenticate a user of a mobile device as a passenger upon determination that the user performed (and/or is capable of performing) one or more actions/provided one or more inputs that can be determined to require(s) the use of one or two hands (e.g., swipe gestures at a touchscreen, including one or more times) such as in an implementation utilizing a forward-facing camera is used, and/or requiring a user to press a touchscreen with one or more fingers and/or touch one or more buttons on the device, irrespective of whether the camera is rear-facing or forward-facing), such as is described with reference to FIG. 15A.

It should also be noted that in certain implementations, when performing the referenced authentication, it can be useful to configure the device such that the user is required to (a) hold the device at a certain orientation, e.g., in landscape orientation, thereby making it more difficult for a driver trying to falsely authenticate/unlock the device (which would otherwise allow the driver to perform certain actions), and/or (b) to encourage the user to hold the device in such orientation by having the device's screen display in landscape mode (that is, displaying the user interface in landscape mode, as described in detail herein), regardless of whether the device is actually held in a landscape orientation. It can be appreciated that such a configuration is relatively less of a burden on a passenger, as described in detail herein.

As referenced herein, in certain implementations, the authentication methods/approaches described herein can be configured to authenticate a user of a mobile device as a passenger only if no part of a steering wheel is present in a visual capture, such as a visual capture of a portion of the user.

It should also be noted that in certain implementations, during the authentication process, the mobile device can be configured to providing audio and/or vibrational/tactile feedback to the user (such as in the case of a forward-facing or rear-facing cameras, whereby the user can be directed/instructed as to how to tilt/orient the device/camera in order to achieve the requisite angle required by the particular authentication method, as described in detail herein) and/or visual feedback (such as in the case of a rear-facing cameras and/or a forward facing camera) during the authentication process. In doing so, the user can be provided with guidance/feedback, as needed, in order to enable the user to achieve the requisite input (such as a particular visual capture) in order to authenticate the device, as described herein. FIGS. 15D and 15E depict various examples of visual feedback that can be provided to a user during authentication.

By way of yet further example, in certain implementations, upon determining that a device is in motion (or otherwise determining that a trip has begun) (such as in any number of ways described herein, and as depicted in FIGS. 15H and 15I), a user can be prompted or otherwise presented with an interface that can enable the user to initiate an authentication process, such as by interaction with a ‘slide to unlock’ interface on a touchscreen, as shown in FIG. 15J. Upon successfully completing the ‘slide to unlock’ gesture, another interface can be provided which incorporates/implements any number of variable input techniques. For example, a keypad (or keyboard, etc.) can be provided whose position with respect to the touchscreen of the device can change based on one or more inputs. By way of illustration, FIGS. 15K-15P depict how the position of a keypad on a touchscreen can change based on and/or in relation to the angle/orientation of the device (as determined, for example, based on the accelerometer and/or gyroscope of the device). As shown in FIGS. 15K-15P, the interface can be configured such that the keypad is centered within the touchscreen when the device is held in a ‘flat’ orientation (as shown in FIG. 15Q and described herein), while being positioned elsewhere on the screen (for example, in a manner that precludes a user from utilizing the entire keypad for input) when the device is held in other orientations (as shown in FIGS. 15K-P). As shown in FIG. 15Q, upon orienting the device in a ‘flat’ orientation (and thus centering the keypad), the user can be prompted to hold their thumb (or another finger) in a specific region of the touchscreen, such as in the manner described herein. Upon determining that the user is doing so (that is, maintaining his/her thumb/finger on the specified region), the user can be presented with a sequence of several numbers which are to be input into the keypad in order to authenticate the user to the device as a passenger, as shown in FIGS. 15R-T. Upon successfully inputting the presented sequence, the user can be authenticated as a passenger and various aspects/functions of the device can be activated/unrestricted, as described herein. It should be understood that, in certain implementations, the sequence can allow for some degree of user error (e.g., mistyping of the presented numeric sequence into the keypad), while also preventing a user from authenticating in the event that the quantity of errors exceeds a defined threshold (as described herein). It should be understood that the described authentication sequence is exemplary and that any number of modifications or adjustments or omissions to the sequence can be implemented and are within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, instead of a keypad the user may be presented with a keyboard and a sequence of letters to input.

Moreover, in certain implementations, in lieu of requiring a substantially ‘flat’ orientation (as shown, for example, in FIG. 15Q and described herein), the referenced technique(s) can be employed in relation to an orientation whereby the device is oriented, for example, such that the Y axis of the device (as shown in FIGS. 9A-9B and described in detail herein) is substantially aligned with the direction that the vehicle is traveling in, and the X-axis (as shown in FIGS. 9A-9B) is aligned with the up/down of the vehicle (as shown, for example, in FIG. 15C) or vice versa, i.e., with the Y-axis is up/down and the X-axis is collinear with the direction in which the vehicle is travelling. It can be appreciated that in order to achieve such an orientation, a user of the device will need to orient the device such that the user is facing towards the middle of the vehicle, or towards the side windows of the vehicle—but not towards the windshield (i.e., the front) of the vehicle (thus preventing attempts by drivers to circumvent such techniques by authenticating while diving). That such an orientation is consistent with the direction in which the vehicle is traveling can be confirmed, for example, based on a correlation of the GPS heading and the magnetometer/compass directional reading, as described herein. Moreover, that such orientation is consistent with the X-axis up/down can be confirmed based on one or more inputs from the device's accelerometer, such as in the manner described herein. It should also be noted that while in certain implementations the referenced techniques can be employed relatively consistently with respect to the various users (i.e., the same or a comparable orientation can be required of a user irrespective of whether he/she can be determined to be a driver or a passenger), in other implementations such an orientation can be selected based on a determination as to whether a particular user is likely to be a driver or a passenger (or a determination as to whether such a user is positioned on the right side or left side of the vehicle) as determined, for example, as described herein. In such implementations, for example, the user can be directed to orient the device in a particular way (e.g., such that the user must face towards the center of the vehicle in order to continue the referenced authentication process). It should also be noted that the referenced orientations are also exemplary and that any other such orientation can be similarly implemented.

In another implementation, the referenced technique(s) can be employed in relation to a substantially ‘flat’ device orientation (as determined, for example, as described herein) and an orientation in which the Y-axis (or X-axis) of the device is oriented substantially up/down and the X-axis (or Y-axis) is substantially collinear with the direction in which the vehicle is traveling.

FIG. 58 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both.

At 5810, a degree of correlation between one or more of (a) an axis of a device and a direction with respect to which a vehicle (within which the device can be determined to be present) is determined to be traveling and/or (b) an axis of a device and a direction with respect to the earth/ground can be determined.

At 5820, an authentication/verification option/task can be enabled and/or an authentication attempt can be approved, such as with respect to the mobile device. In certain implementations, such an option can be enabled/attempt can be approved based on a determination (e.g., at 5810) that the degree to which the one or more axes and their respective direction correlate (e.g., with respect to a direction that the vehicle is traveling and/or the ground) meets or exceed one or more defined thresholds.

By way of illustration, in certain implementations, a passenger authentication task may require that the orientation of the device must be determined to be one in which its y-axis (or x-axis) is within a certain range of the vehicle's heading (e.g., as measured by comparing the device's magnetometer with its GPS heading). In addition, in certain implementations such an authentication task may require that the device's x-axis (or y-axis) be determined to be within a certain range of normal to the ground/earth (with respect to its roll and yaw). For example, in order to complete such an authentication task successfully, the device's positive (or negative) y-axis must be determined to be pointed within +/−20 degrees of the vehicle's heading and the device's positive (or negative) x-axis must be determined to be pointed up with +10 to −20 degrees of normal to the ground (roll) and +/−5 degrees of normal to the ground (yaw), such as is shown in FIG. 50 (angles ranges not shown).

It can be appreciated that a window whose forward-facing edge is substantially vertical is indicative of a passenger window in most cars and is also prevalent in trains and buses. Moreover, the forward facing edges of windows of front seat occupants (drivers or passengers) are not substantially vertical. Accordingly, processing a visual capture provided by one or more device camera(s) (whether captured actively by a user and/or passively) together with the heading of the vehicle and the orientation of the device (e.g., using GPS, compass, magnetometer, accelerometer) can be used to identify the presence of window(s), their forward facing edges, as well as the degree of verticality of all or part of the forward facing edge (which, as noted, can be used to determine whether or not the user is likely to be a driver—or at least potentially a driver—or a passenger).

FIG. 47 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both. At 4705 a first visual capture can be received, such as from a first camera of a user device. At 4710, a second visual capture can be received, such as from a second camera of the user device. In certain implementations, the second visual capture can be received substantially concurrent with receipt of the first visual capture. At 4715, the first visual capture can be processed, such as to identify a presence of a face within the first visual capture. At 4720, the second visual capture can be processed, such as to identify a presence of a face within the second visual capture. At 4725, one or more operations can be initiated, such as with respect to the user device. In certain implementations, the one or more operations can be initiated based on (a) an identification of a face within the first visual capture and/or (b) an identification of a face within the second visual capture. In certain implementations, one or more restrictions employed with respect to the user device can be modified. In certain implementations, a user of the user device can be identified as a passenger.

It should be noted that the techniques described herein can be employed in relation to and/or in conjunction with one or more passenger authentication task(s) (including but not limited to numeric input-related tasks and video capture-based tasks, such as those described herein), including in scenarios where various other elements/aspects/components (such as those described herein in relation to various passenger authentication tasks such as landscape orientation, thumb/multi-finger tasks etc.) are included/incorporated.

In another implementation, an authentication task can be employed such that the authenticator (e.g., a passenger) can be prompted to use a camera of the device (such as a rear-facing camera) to take a visual capture that can be processed to identify the inclusion of the profile (or another angle shot) of another vehicle occupant's face/head (for example, in lieu of a straight-on shot of the authenticator's face as described herein). In addition, the authenticator can be required to hold the device such that the screen is substantially parallel to vehicle's side window(s) and/or in an orientation where the device's touchscreen is facing the passenger's window. It can be appreciated that in such an orientation a driver is relatively unlikely to be able to take such a picture. And, even in a scenario where the driver were so capable, one or more inputs originating at the device (corresponding to, for example, accelerometer movement, the centering of the visual capture, etc.) can be processed to determine that such input(s) indicate that a driver is likely to be attempting such an authentication task (and the authentication attempt can thus be denied). In addition, in certain implementations the referenced authentication task can also incorporate one or more of the other elements described herein (e.g., landscape orientation, thumb/multi-finger tasks, number input tasks, etc.), thereby further reducing the likelihood that the referenced task(s) can be performed by a driver, while also avoiding substantially increasing the difficulty for a passenger to perform them.

In yet another implementation, an authentication task can be employed such that the authenticating user (e.g., a passenger) can be prompted to use the device's front-facing and rear-facing camera simultaneously (or in sufficiently close chronological proximity to one another and/or interleaved) to take two visual captures, each of which can be processed to identify a presence of a human face/head (e.g., a driver and a passenger) therein. In addition, the authenticating user can be prompted to hold/orient the device such that the screen of the device is substantially parallel to the vehicle's side windows and is also positioned in an orientation where the device's screen is facing the passenger's window. In such a scenario, a driver is relatively unlikely to be able to take such pictures. And, even in a scenario where the driver were so capable, the one or more inputs originating at the device (corresponding to, for example, accelerometer movement, the centering of the visual capture, etc.) can be processed to determine that such input(s) indicate that a driver is likely to be attempting such an authentication task (and the authentication attempt can thus be denied). In addition, in certain implementations the authenticating user can also be prompted to perform one or more of the other tasks, elements, etc. described herein (e.g., landscape orientation, thumb/multi-finger use, numeric input tasks, etc.), thereby further reducing the likelihood that the referenced task(s) can be performed by a driver, while also avoiding substantially increasing the difficulty for a passenger to perform them.

In yet another implementation, the authentication task can be employed such that the authenticating user (e.g., a passenger), can be prompted to use the device's front-facing and rear-facing camera simultaneously (or in sufficiently close chronological proximity to one another and/or interleaved) to take visual captures, each of which can be processed to identify a presence of a human face/head (e.g., a driver and a passenger) therein, whereby the front-facing camera (e.g., the user's camera) provides a video capture that includes a substantially straight-on face/head shot. In addition, the authenticating user can be prompted to hold/maintain the position/orientation of the device such that that the screen of the device is substantially parallel to vehicle's side windows and is also positioned in an orientation where the device's screen is facing the passenger's window. In such a scenario, a driver is relatively unlikely to be able to take such pictures. And, even in a scenario where a driver were so capable, the one or more inputs originating at the device (corresponding to, for example, accelerometer movement, the centering of the visual capture, etc.) can be processed to determine that such input(s) indicate that a driver is likely to be attempting such authentication task (and the authentication attempt can thus be denied). In addition, in certain implementations the authenticating user can also be prompted to perform one or more of the other tasks, elements, etc. described herein (e.g., landscape orientation, thumb/multi-finger use, numeric input tasks, etc.), further reducing the likelihood that the referenced task(s) can be performed by a driver, while also avoiding substantially increasing the difficulty for a passenger to perform them.

It should be noted that in scenarios that incorporate video capture, similar imaging methods, and/or techniques can also be employed in conjunction with one or more cameras that are in communication with, but not (necessarily) physically connected to the device (e.g., wearable cameras). It should be further noted that the techniques described herein can be modified and/or adjusted accordingly to account for such modifications to the techniques described herein.

It should also be noted that, in certain implementations, various aspects of the interface(s) depicted in FIGS. 15H-T can be configured to operate (e.g., be presented on a touchscreen) specifically/only in landscape mode/orientation. It can be appreciated that such an orientation can be more difficult for users who are drivers to interact with, while being relatively easier for users who are passengers to interact with.

Moreover, in certain implementations one or more time limits can be imposed on any/all of the elements/operations/steps in the referenced authentication sequence(s). Additionally, in certain implementations, any number of elements, operations, steps, or aspects of the referenced sequence(s) can be configured to determine that a user is likely to be a driver or a passenger at varying/intermittent stages of the sequence. For example, a sequence can be configured to terminate upon a determination that the device is not being held with at least a certain degree of stability (as can be determined as described herein, such as based on inputs from an accelerometer and/or gyroscope). By way of further example, a sequence can be configured to terminate upon a determination that the sequence (or any number of the steps/aspects of the sequence) is not completed within a defined timeframe.

It should also be noted that in certain implementations a user of a mobile device can be authenticated as being a passenger even if the vehicle within which the device is present is not moving, e.g., by recording a visual capture within which the driver's hand and the steering wheel can be determined to be present, as described in detail herein.

In certain implementations, the authentication tasks/techniques described herein can include one or more oral/audio tasks (as can be prompted/instructed by the device) which can be perceived/detected by one or more microphone(s) of the device, optionally in conjunction with one or more other device sensors, and which can be processed/analyzed in order to authenticate a user of the device as a passenger, for example. For example, the device can prompt/ask the user to hold his device with two hands in a flat orientation (as if it were lying flat on a table), in landscape mode, and speak a word that flashes/is presented on the device screen at some time over a 5 second time period. If the voice input provided by the user and perceived by the microphone(s) can be recognized as being the correct word that was presented (or within a defined margin of error from it), while the accelerometer/gyroscope of the device also recognize that the device was held flat/in the proper orientation, while the touch screen recognizes that tactile contact was provided in one or areas of the device (e.g., corners of the device screen) as instructed and in such a way that can be determined to be likely that the device was being held with two hands, the user can be determined to be (and authenticated as) a passenger.

Turning now to FIG. 15, a flow diagram is described showing a routine 1500 that illustrates a broad aspect of a method for selectively restricting operation of a mobile device 105 in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein. It should be understood that in certain implementations, such selective restriction of a mobile device can be employed in order to restrict operation of the device by a user who is a driver of a vehicle, while not restricting operation of the device (or, restricting operation of the device relatively less) by a user who is a passenger of a vehicle. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that various of the determinations and identifications described herein are directed towards one or more factors and/or aspects that are indicative in various ways of whether the user of the particular device is a drive or a passenger of the vehicle. Additionally, it should be further understood that the referenced method is preferably implemented in situations, scenarios, and/or settings where mobile device 105 is present within a vehicle, such as a moving vehicle. Various methods for determining a presence of the device within a vehicle and/or a moving vehicle are described in detail herein.

At step 1505, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, employs one or more restrictions at mobile device 105 and/or in relation to mobile device 105, substantially in the manner described above with respect to step 705. It should be understood that in certain arrangements, such restriction(s) are preferably configured, on average, to impede operation of mobile device 105 by a user that is a driver moreso than the restriction(s) impede operation of mobile device 105 by a user that is a passenger, as described in detail herein. It should also be understood that a single restriction can be understood and/or configured to be a combination and/or composite of multiple restrictions. It should also be understood that in certain implementations the methods described herein can be applied to a device that is already restricted, such as a device that is configured, by default, to operate, in a restricted state.

At step 1510, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171 receives one or more inputs, such as one or more visual captures originating at mobile device 105 and/or mobile devices 160 (e.g., from camera 145F), such as an image, a series of images, and/or a video, substantially in the manner described above with respect to step 710.

Then, at step 1520, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, processes at least one of the visual captures (such as those received at step 1510) to identify one or more indicators within the visual capture. It should be understood that the terms “indicator” and/or “indicators” as used in context of the referenced visual capture(s) are intended to encompass one or more items, elements, and/or aspects that can be distinguished, determined, and or identified within a visual capture, as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art. That is, it can be appreciated that in processing the one or more visual capture(s), the visual captures (e.g., images and/or videos) can be analyzed using one or more image processing techniques, as are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In doing so, one or more indicators can be identified within the visual capture, and such indicators can preferably be further utilized to determine if/how one or more restrictions are to be adjusted at/in relation to the mobile device 105, as will be described in greater detail below.

The following are exemplary and non-limiting illustrations of various visual captures that can be received, and indicators that can be identified within the respective visual capture:

In one implementation, a visual capture can include an image of at least a portion of a face of a user, and such a visual capture can be processed to identify one or more indicators that reflect a steady gaze of the user. It can be appreciated that while a vehicle is in motion, a passenger in a vehicle is more likely to be able to maintain an ongoing steady gaze into a camera of a mobile device than a driver who will necessarily divert his/her gaze in order to see the road while driving.

In another implementation, a visual capture can include an image of at least a portion of a face of a user, and such a visual capture can be processed to identify an absence of a steering wheel in the visual capture. It can be appreciated that a visual capture that contains the presence of a steering wheel together with at least a portion of a face of a user indicates that it is likely that the user is in close proximity to the steering wheel, and is thus more likely to be a driver of the vehicle. Thus, in visual captures where the steering wheel has been determined to be absent, it can be determine that the user of the device which captured such a visual capture is likely to be a passenger.

In another implementation, a visual capture can include an image of one or more feet of a user, and such a visual capture can be processed to identify a position of the one or more feet. That is, it can be appreciated that a visual capture of the feet of a driver is likely to include one or more pedals (e.g., gas, brake, and/or clutch), and/or the positioning of the feet of the driver, either on or around such pedals. Conversely, the absence of such pedals and/or the foot positioning that they entails, indicates that the user of the device which captured the image capture is likely to be a passenger.

In another implementation, a visual capture can include an image of at least a portion of a body of a user, and such a visual capture can be processed to identify a presence of a fastened seatbelt in a passenger orientation, as depicted in FIG. 15B and as will be described in greater detail below with respect to step 1720.

In another implementation, a visual capture can include an image of an interior of a vehicle, and such a visual capture can be processed to identify at least two hands and a steering wheel, as will be described in greater detail below with respect to step 1542.

By way of further illustration in another implementation, a video capture that reflects the scenery outside of a vehicle can be processed, such as using image/video analysis, to determine the orientation of the mobile device. In order to do so, indicators such as the position of the sky and/or horizon can be identified within the in the visual capture, such as using image processing methods and approaches known to those of ordinary skill in the art. It can be appreciated that various aspects of the visual capture will necessarily change based on the orientation of device 105 and/or the relative location of the device within the vehicle. It can thus be appreciated that in doing so, the orientation of mobile device 105 and/or the relative location of the device within a vehicle can be determined, as will be described in greater detail below.

At step 1522, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171 receives one or more inputs, preferably from at least one of the sensors 145 of mobile device 105, a vehicle data system 164, and/or one or more other mobile devices 160, substantially in the manner described above with respect to step 710. It should also be understood that various inputs can be received from multiple sources (e.g., various sensors, devices, etc.). For example, inputs from accelerometer 145A and/or gyroscope 145B can be received, such inputs corresponding to an orientation of mobile device 105. By way of further example, one or more input(s) from one or more tactile sensor(s) 145N, such as the simultaneous depressing of one or more buttons, and/or the simultaneous tactile interaction of multiple points and/or locations on a touchscreen display.

At step 1524, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171 processes the one or more inputs, such as those received at step 1522, to determine a presence of a passenger within a vehicle. By way of example, inputs can be received from vehicle data system 164, such as those originating at various sensors deployed within a vehicle, such as weight/heat sensors that are positioned within one or more seats, and/or sensors that can detect whether one or more seatbelts are/are not fastened. Such inputs can be processed in order to determine a presence of, and/or the likelihood of the presence of, one or more passengers within a vehicle.

At step 1526, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171 processes the one or more inputs with the visual capture and/or the indicators to determine a relationship between the inputs and the visual capture and/or the indicators. That is, it can be appreciated that the processing of inputs from one or more of sensors 145 (and/or from other sources) together with the visual capture/indicators can further enhance the accuracy of determinations made and/or actions taken, such as the determination of the orientation and/or location of device 105, as referenced above. For example, inputs from accelerometer 145A and/or gyroscope 145B can be processed together with the referenced visual capture/indicators in order to determine an orientation of the device 105 and/or a relative location of the device with increased accuracy. That is, it can be appreciated that if the visual capture/indicators reflect scenery outside the vehicle, such visual capture/indicators can be processed to determine the direction in which the mobile device 105 is traveling. For instance, if a stationary item (and/or an item moving at a speed slower than the vehicle within which the user is traveling) identified in the visual capture moves from left to right over the course of the visual capture (such as the progression from Frame 1 to Frame 3 as depicted in FIG. 19), it can be determined that such a visual capture was taken with the mobile device 105 being oriented such that the visual capture is taken from the right side of the vehicle. Accordingly, it can be reasonably concluded that the user capturing such a visual capture is not the driver of the vehicle (who would be seated on the left side of the vehicle). Similarly, a stationary item identified in the visual capture moves from right to left over the course of the visual capture (such as the progression from Frame 1 a to Frame 3 a as depicted in FIG. 19), it can be determined that such a visual capture was taken with the mobile device 105 being oriented such that the visual capture is taken from the left side of the vehicle, and thus it cannot be determined with certainty that the user is not the driver of the vehicle. It can be said that such determinations reflect a relationship between the inputs and the visual capture/indicators.

By way of further illustration, in one implementation, a relationship can be determined wherein preferably while the vehicle is in motion, the user presses the device against the vehicle's right-side window with the device oriented so that the Y axis of the device (as shown in FIGS. 9A-9B and described in detail herein) is pointed in the forward direction that the car is traveling in, the device is oriented so that the positive part of the X-axis (as shown in FIGS. 9A-9B) is facing up and the rear-facing camera of the device is facing out (together referred to as the “required orientation”, as shown in FIG. 15C)— something that in most circumstances only a passenger can do (it can also be appreciated that the “required orientation” can be configured to account for cameras in other positions on the mobile device, such as a camera on the front face of the device—wherein it can be appreciated that the negative side of the X-axis is to be facing up). Indicators can be identified, such as by processing the one or more visual captures originating from the camera of the device to determine if the movement of pixels or blocks of pixels or features of interest in one or more successive visual captures are consistent with the device being on the right window (e.g., if pixels in successive frame are moving from left-to-right as opposed to right-to-left if the device were on the left window), as are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The referenced visual capture and/or indicators can be processed with the one or more inputs to determine a relationship therebetween.

At this juncture, it can be appreciated that while implementations such as those where the processing of a visual capture/indicators to identify the direction in which stationary objects (and/or objects moving at a speed slower than the vehicle within which the user is traveling) move over the course of several frames (that is, left to right or right to left) can enable a determination with a certain degree of certainty as to whether the visual capture was taken from the right side of a moving vehicle (indicating that the visual capture was taken by a passenger) or the left side of a moving vehicle (indicating that the visual capture was not necessarily taken by a passenger), in certain situations further validation can be advantageous. This is because, in certain scenarios, a driver, though seated on the left side of the moving vehicle, can still take a visual capture that shows stationary objects moving from left to right. Accordingly, it can be appreciated that analyzing additional inputs and/or factors can be advantageous in order to further determine that a driver is not actually skewing the determinations referenced above.

By way of example, in certain implementations, one or more inputs (e.g., inputs originating at an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, camera, etc.) can also be processed (such as in the manner described in detail herein) in order to determine a stability of mobile device 105. It should be understood that any number of inputs and/or combinations of inputs can be processed in order to determine the stability of device 105. It can be appreciated that the degree of stability of device 105 can be indicative of whether a user of the mobile device is a driver or a passenger in that in a scenario where a driver points device 105 towards the right-hand window of the vehicle, it is likely that the mobile device 105 is supported only by the hand of the driver within the interior of the vehicle (it should also be recognized that given the fact that the driver must remain on the extreme left-hand side of the vehicle in order to operate the vehicle whose controls are situated on that side, it is exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, for the driver to effectively operate the vehicle while also reaching across the width of the car to the right-hand window). Given this positioning, a mobile device 105 operated by a driver of a vehicle is generally subject to considerable instability, especially when the vehicle is moving. A passenger, conversely, who can be seated on the right side of the vehicle, generally has the ability to hold and/or position his/her mobile device 105 against the window, wall panel, and/or door of the vehicle. Doing so provides an additional measure of stability which is generally unattainable by a driver, as discussed above. As such, it can be appreciated that by determining the stability of mobile device 105, and additionally, by identifying a relationship between the one or more inputs and the visual capture/indicators, the systems and methods disclosed herein can better identify and/or account for operation of the device by drivers and/or passengers.

As noted in the example above, any number of inputs (both individually as wells as when processed in combination) can be analyzed in order to determine the stability of mobile device 105. By way of further illustration, the visual capture/indicators themselves can be analyzed/processed in order to identify the degree of “shake” present, in a manner known to those of ordinary skill in the art. That is, it can be appreciated that multiple indicators can be identified from a single visual capture. For example, it can be appreciated that if an amount or degree of “shake” can be detected in a visual capture (in addition to other indicators that can be identified in the same visual capture, such as those described in detail above). In determining such an amount/degree of shake, it can be further determined that mobile device 105 is likely positioned in an unstable manner (such as by being held in a manner other than by being positioned against a window of the vehicle), and thus has a significant likelihood of being operated by a driver of the vehicle. Various other inputs, such as inputs from the gyroscope 145B and/or the accelerometer 145A can also be processed/analyzed to determine the stability of the mobile device 105.

By way of further illustration, in certain implementations, in addition to identifying one or more indicators within a visual capture, as describe in detail above, determinations (such as those that can be computed based on the indicators, such as that the user of the device is a driver or passenger of the vehicle) can be further confirmed/verified by processing the visual capture(s)/indicator(s) with one or more other inputs in order to determine a relationship between them. For example, it can be appreciated that a determination that the mobile device is pressed against the window (as opposed to held by the user just looking out of the window), in the required orientation, can be computed based on inputs originating at the accelerometer and/or gyroscope and/or other sensors. In doing so, any number of determinations can be computed, in part in order to confirm that the device is being held in a manner consistent with being pressed against a window. For example, (i) if it can be determined that the device moves/shakes relatively less than it would if it were held in a hand that is not supported by a window and/or door; (ii) if the device vibrates consistently with being held against a window; and/or (iii) if the visual capture(s) of the mobile device do not contain pixel blocks indicative of the device not being against window (e.g., near-fixed pixels on the borders of the visual capture showing the door or the roof or the window frame of the vehicle, etc.) in the preferred/required orientation that is consistent with a user pointing the rear-facing camera of the device out the window of a vehicle (wherein the camera sees light, the camera sees moving pixels, and/or the inward facing light sensor shows an amount of light consistent with pointing inward in the required orientation, as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art).

In certain implementations, the device being pressed against the right-side window of the vehicle in the required orientation (as described above) can be verified by processing one or more inputs, such as those originating at the accelerometer, by tracking the movement of the device immediately prior to its being pressed against a window. If, before determining/validating that the device is pressed against a window in the required orientation, and/or after accounting for changes in the orientation of the device during such period of movement, the device moved to the right relative to the direction in which the vehicle is heading, then it can be determined that the device has moved to the right-side window. This determination can preferably be computed based on inputs originating at the accelerometer, the gyroscope, the GPS and/or the magnetometer, as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art. It should be understood that such approaches can operate independently and/or in conjunction with one or more of the various implementations and approaches described in detail herein.

In certain implementations, the in-vehicle role of a device user can be determined based on a processing of a visual capture from the device to identify various objects, indicators, and/or patterns and determine the in-vehicle location and/or in-vehicle role of the user based on such objects, indicators, and/or patterns. For example, identifying a gas pedal in the rear-facing camera (or any other camera) on the device (e.g., within an image captured by such camera) is relatively likely to indicate a driver is operating such a device. By way of further example, identifying a seat belt going over a left shoulder of a user (e.g., within an image captured by such camera) is relatively likely to indicate that a passenger is operating such a device (reverse for the UK and other left side of road driving countries). By way of further example, identifying a window in the front facing camera(s) (e.g., within an image captured by such camera) to the left of a user (as perceived by the camera(s)) is relatively likely to indicate that a passenger is operating such a device.

In certain implementations, one or more visual captures captured using a front-facing camera(s) (or other device camera(s)) of a device can be processed to determine the head/face angle (that is, the angle at which the head or face of the user is oriented, such as with respect to a device/camera) and/or gaze angle (that is, the angle at which the eye(s) of the user are oriented, such as with respect to a device/camera, which may differ from the head/face angle) of the user, such as in relation to the device and, based on such angles and/or based upon the variability of such angles over time, the in-vehicle role of the user of the device can be determined. For example, passengers are likely to exhibit certain head and/or gaze angles in relation to a device and/or in relation to a vehicle that drivers are relatively less likely to be able to. In addition, passengers are relatively likely to be able to maintain certain head and/or gaze angles in relation to a mobile device and/or in relation to a vehicle for longer lengths of time and/or with less variability than drivers can (because, for example, passengers are less likely to have to look at the road ahead).

FIG. 57 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both.

At 5710, one or more visual captures (e.g., digital images, videos, etc.) can be captured and/or received.

At 5720, the one or more visual captures (such as those received at 5710) can be processed. In doing so, a head/face angle and/or an eye gaze angle can be determined (e.g., using one or more facial recognition and/or image analysis techniques such as are known to those of ordinary skill in the art). In certain implementations, such a head/face angle and/or an eye gaze angle can be determined in relation to a device (e.g., a smartphone or other mobile device, such as a device that was used to capture the visual captures). Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced visual captures can be processed to determine whether the head angle and/or the eye gaze angle are maintained with respect to the device (e.g., within a defined margin of error) for at least a defined chronological interval (e.g., 10 seconds). Doing so can ensure that a driver cannot simply momentarily orient his/her head/face or eyes at a certain angle (e.g., looking ‘down’ towards a mobile device that is lying flat) and then change his/her head/face/eye orientation.

Additionally, in certain implementations the referenced visual captures can be processed to determine a head/face orientation angle in relation to a device and an eye gaze angle in relation to the head/face orientation (reflecting, for example, whether the eye gaze angle of a user is or is not relatively consistent with the head/face orientation angle). Doing so can be advantageous in that it can enable the identification of scenarios in which the head/face of a user is oriented at one angle but the eye gaze of the user is oriented at a different angle—reflecting that the user is looking away (e.g., in an attempt to authenticate him/herself as a passenger while looking away with their eyes and continuing to drive).

At 5730, the defined chronological interval (such as the interval with respect to which the head/face and/or eye gaze angle is to be maintained, such as at 5720) can be adjusted. In certain implementations, such an interval can be adjusted based on a determined speed (e.g., the speed at which the device and/or the vehicle within which it is present, can be determined to be traveling). By way of illustration, as noted the described technique(s) can be configured to account for the speed of the vehicle (as can be obtained, for example, through GPS or an in-vehicle system). It can be advantageous to do so because the abilities of passengers and drivers may become more and more different as the vehicle speed increases because the driver is likely to need to dedicate greater attention to driving and thus is relatively less likely to be able to hold the referenced gaze, over a period of time. For example, if a device and/or vehicle is determined to be traveling below 40 miles per hour, the described technologies may be configured to instruct/require the user to maintain his/her head/face and/or eye gaze angle(s) for a 10 second interval, while if the device and/or vehicle is determined to be traveling above 40 miles per hour, the described technologies may be configured to instruct/require the user to maintain his/her head/face and/or eye gaze angle(s) for a 5 second interval.

At 5740, an orientation angle of the device relative to the ground (or any other such surface) can be determined. In certain implementations, such an orientation angle can be required to be a substantially flat orientation (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 15G and described in detail herein).

At 5750, the head/face angle and/or the eye gaze angle (such as are determined at 5720) can be compared to the orientation angle of the device (such as is determined at 5740). In doing so, a relationship between the head/face angle and/or the eye gaze angle and the orientation angle of the device can be determined.

At 5760, based on the head/face angle and/or the eye gaze angle (such as are determined at 5720) and/or the relationship between the head/face angle and/or the eye gaze angle and the orientation angle of the device (such as is determined at 5750), a relative likelihood that a user of the device is a driver or a passenger can be computed.

Moreover, in certain implementations, a relative likelihood that a user of the device is a driver or a passenger can be computed based on (a) the head/face orientation angle in relation to the device (such as are determined at 5720), (b) the eye gaze angle in relation to the head orientation (such as is determined at 5720), and (c) an orientation angle of the device in relation to the ground (such as is determined at 5740).

At 5770, an implementation of a restriction at a device can be modified. In certain implementations, such an implementation of a restriction can be modified based on the relative likelihood that a user of the device is a driver or a passenger (e.g., as computed at 5760).

By way of further illustration, it can be appreciated that, in some cases, requiring certain orientations of a mobile device when performing certain types of user authentication/verification techniques can serve as a surrogate for requiring that the user's face and/or eyes are directed in a certain manner (e.g., so that the user cannot simultaneously look at the road and successfully perform the authentication/verification task). As such, by requiring that the direction, orientation, and/or angle of the head/face of a user and/or the eye gaze of the user to be within (or not within) one or more range(s), such verification techniques and tasks can be even more difficult to falsely authenticate.

For example, in order to determine the head/face angle of a user relative to the ground/earth (and, in certain implementations, determine whether it is within one or more range(s)), (i) the angle of the device (e.g., a smartphone) relative to the ground/earth can be determined (e.g., based on inputs originating from the accelerometer, compass, magnetometer, etc. of the device, such as in a manner known to those of ordinary skill in the art) and (ii) the angle of the head/face of the user relative to the device can be determined (e.g., via image analysis of visual captures originating at the camera of the device). It should be understood that, in certain implementations, there may be no requirements on (i) or (ii) individually, but on the combination of the result of measurements (i) and (ii) together (note, in practice, in certain implementations there may be some practical requirements on (i) and (ii) individually, due to of factors like camera distortion).

Additionally, in order to determine the eye gaze angle of a user relative to the ground/earth (and, in certain implementations, require it to be within one or more range(s)), (i) the angle of the orientation of the device relative to the ground/earth can be determined (e.g., based on inputs originating from the accelerometer, compass, magnetometer, etc. of the device, such as in a manner known to those of ordinary skill in the art), (ii) the angle of the head/face of the user relative to the device can be determined (e.g., via image analysis of visual captures originating at the camera of the device), and (iii) the angle of the eye gaze of the user relative to his/her face can be determined. It should be understood that, in certain implementations, there may be no requirements on (i), (ii) or (iii) individually, though there may be requirements on the combination of the results of (i) and (ii) and (iii) together (note, in practice, in certain implementations there may be some practical requirements on (i) and (ii) and (iii) individually because of factors like camera distortion).

While visual capture(s) can be used to enable passengers to actively authenticate themselves as such, such as is described herein, such technologies can also be used to enable determination of an in-vehicle role and/or in-vehicle location of the user of a device and/or the likelihood thereof (e.g., in a passive manner). For example, a visual capture (e.g., together with the orientation of the capturing device relative to the earth and/or relative to the vehicle) can be processed to match one or more pattern(s) that can be identified within the visual capture to determine the location of a mobile device within the vehicle and/or the make/model of the vehicle that the device is present within. For example, using a database of physical properties of vehicle interiors (which may include, for example, visual captures of such interiors, spacing information/specifications, object location, colorings, consistencies, ceiling, floor and side markings as provided, for example, by vehicle manufacturers and/or from crowdsourcing), captured images, videos, etc., including views of the vehicle from different device positions and/or orientations can be utilized, e.g., to compare with various patterns (e.g., feature extractions) within a visual capture originating from a device (e.g., in addition to one or more other techniques described herein or known to those of ordinary skill in the art) to determine the in-vehicle location of the device.

In another implementation, various machine learning techniques can be employed with respect to visual capture(s) using supervised (and/or unsupervised) training sets to better determine how to associate such captures with in-vehicle locations and/or in-vehicle roles. Such techniques can be applied on a device by device basis, for a larger population or for a combination of the two. For example, a device can learn the ceiling of a car in which a person commutes in regularly and, for example, after collecting information over several trips, be able to identify the in-vehicle location of a device in that car, and/or by matching visual captures against a database of car ceilings/interiors.

It should be noted that such a database may also include views (actual or generated) of the interior of a vehicle in different lighting conditions (e.g., day vs. night) and/or the ability to compare actual visual captures taken with simulations/projections of what such interiors are likely to look like under different lighting conditions (with or without ever actually rendering them).

In another embodiment, comparable technique(s) can be applied to determine the mode of transportation and/or vehicle class that a device is present within (together with or without various others vehicle class determination techniques described herein or known to those of skill in the art). For example, it can be appreciated that the patterns and/or physical properties of interiors of different vehicles classes are likely to perceptibly differ from one another. For example, a visual capture originating from a device in a passenger car is likely to depict lower ceilings and a narrower interior and smaller windows as compared to a comparable visual capture originating from a device present within a train or a bus. Here, too, in addition to determining the vehicle class based upon such perceived distances within a visual capture, the visual capture can be compared to a database of visual captures to determine the class of vehicle that a device is in.

In certain implementations, a visual capture can be processed using similar techniques to determine whether a user is traveling on public transportation (e.g., bus or train), in which case, most/all surrounding devices can be determined to be likely to be passenger devices (and thus neither the in-vehicle location nor in-vehicle role associated with such a device necessarily need be determined) or non-public transportation (e.g., a car) in which case such determinations can be performed. (It should be noted that various techniques, such as those described herein, can be employed to restrict the devices of public transportation drivers/operators to ensure that their devices would not enjoy such a public transportation exemption).

In yet another embodiment, a visual capture can also be processed to improve (e.g., based on accuracy, power, latency, etc.) the techniques described herein (or those of others) that attempt to determine whether or not a device is present within a vehicle or a device (and/or its user) is present outside of a vehicle and/or engaged in another form of activity (with or without various other trip detection and/or activity recognition techniques described herein or known to those of ordinary skill in the art). For example, a visual capture originating from a device present outside a vehicle can be differentiated/distinguished from one taken inside a vehicle. A visual capture that can be processed to identify a pattern associated with a sidewalk (as captured from a then downward-facing camera) or open sky (as captured from a then upward-facing camera) can be determined to be likely to be outside a vehicle. By way of further example, identifying a pattern that shows a background consisting of office ceiling tiles with a certain geometry (as captured from a then upward-facing camera) can indicate that the device is present indoors (i.e., not within a vehicle), while the presence of window patterns, headrests, seatbelts, a steering wheel or gas pedals, etc. can be determined to be likely be in a vehicle. Different levels of light (adjusted, as needed for time of day, geography, weather conditions etc.), can also be utilized to differentiate between devices inside vehicles and those outside vehicles, and different levels of light between multiple cameras on the same device can serve as a further indication of the same, such as is described herein.

Moreover, in certain scenarios, multiple cameras can be used “stereophonically” to more accurately determine the device's in-vehicle location.

In a scenario in which one or more of the visual capture mechanisms is in use by another application, impeded, malfunctioning, etc., a default setting can indicate the device as belonging to a driver (or a passenger), e.g., until capture of the visual capture is no longer impeded. This can be done with or without given a warning notification to the user.

It should be understood that various techniques described herein can be employed device-side, server-side, and/or a combination of both.

It should also be noted that some of the techniques described herein may involve identifying objects and/or features or properties within a still image and/or analyzing changes in the same or different aspects over more than one image and, in some cases, in relation to other device sensors (for example, changes in images as compared to changes perceived in a position and/or orientation of a device, e.g., at the time the referenced images are captured, such as in order to better measure distance. For example, a device determined to have rotated two degrees and in which an object within various visual captures can be determined to have moved by 200 pixels, can be used to further determine the distance between the device and the object which, as previously described, can be different for different vehicle classes).

An accelerometer is used on many mobile devices (and/or in many mobile operating systems) to determine the orientation in which the device's screen should be displayed (e.g., portrait, landscape, negative portrait or negative landscape). For example, if the accelerometer perceives sufficient gravity is falling on its y-axis, the screen displays in portrait (or negative portrait, depending on the sign of the y-axis accelerometer value). If the accelerometer perceives sufficient gravity is falling on the x-axis, the screen displays in landscape (or negative landscape, depending on the sign of the x-axis accelerometer value). However, such techniques are not necessarily effective in scenarios in which the accelerometer perceives relatively little gravity falling on either the x-axis or the y-axis (e.g., the device is face up on a table or being held upside down by someone using it while lying on her back, where substantially all the gravity falls on the device's z-axis). Many devices (and/or operating systems) simply continue to use their last screen-display orientation until the accelerometer next perceives that sufficient gravity is falling on the x-axis or the y-axis, whereupon the screen-display orientation is rotated, as needed, and if different from the last screen-display orientation. As a result, when a user-device orientation changes (e.g., the user rotates the device, the user moves his/her person) and the user wants the screen-display orientation of a device whose device-earth orientation is substantially flat (e.g., most of the gravity falls on the z-axis) to adjust appropriately (e.g., to best-face the user), the user may need to tilt the device to change the device-earth orientation so that gravity is perceived on the accelerometer's x-axis or y-axis, as the case may be, before the screen-display orientation will rotate.

In order to improve such orientation changes, in one implementation, one or more visual captures originating from the device can be processed to identify/determine the orientation of the user with respect to the device and, based on such user-device orientation, the screen-display orientation can be rotated, as and if necessary, to one that which is best facing the user. For example, if the screen-display orientation is portrait, but the visual captures can be processed to determine that the user's face (or head or eyes etc.) is more perpendicular to the device than it is parallel to it (e.g., the device's positive z-axis is pointed up relative to earth and the positive y-axis of the user's face is pointed north whereas the device's positive y-axis is pointed west (or at least west of north-west or west of south-west)), the screen display can be rotated to landscape (e.g., continuing this example, by 90 degrees clockwise if it was rotated from the portrait screen-display orientation). Or, for example, if the visual captures can be processed to determine that the user's face (or head or eyes) is largely parallel to the device but in the opposite direction (e.g., the device's negative z-axis is pointed up relative to earth and the positive y-axis of the user's face is pointed north whereas the device's positive y-axis is pointed south (or at least south of south-west or south of south-east)), the screen display is rotated to negative portrait (i.e., to a screen-display orientation that is 180 degrees from portrait).

In another implementation, the rotational motion of a device perceived by its gyroscope can be accounted for in determining/measuring changes to the user-device orientation of a device that is in a substantially flat device-earth orientation. Based on the inputs from the gyroscope (e.g., its yaw readings, i.e., motion around the device's z-axis), the device's screen-display orientation can be rotated, as and if needed, to be the one best-facing the user. For example, if the device's current screen-display orientation is portrait and the gyroscope's yaw readings perceive that the device has undergone counter-clockwise movement around it's z-axis (as observed by someone sitting on the positive z-axis) whose magnitude and duration can be indicative of a turn of the device with respect to its z-axis that is within some range (e.g., between 45 degrees and 135 degrees), the device's screen-display orientation can be rotated clockwise by 90 degrees to better align with the user's face.

In another implementation, the device's magnetometer/compass can be accounted for in determining/measuring changes to the user-device orientation of a device that is in a substantially flat device-earth orientation. Based on the inputs from the magnetometer/compass (and changes thereto), the device's screen-display orientation can be rotated, as and if needed, to be the one best-facing the user. For example, in a scenario in which the device's current screen-display orientation is portrait and based on inputs from the device's magnetometer/compass it can be determined that the device orientation has changed (e.g., with regard to magnetic north), for example, is has rotated counter-clockwise around its z-axis (as observed by someone sitting on the positive z-axis) within some range (e.g., between 45 degrees and 135 degrees), the device's screen-display orientation can be rotated clockwise by 90 degrees to better align with the user's face.

It should be understood that the described implementations may be refined (e.g., to reduce power consumption, increase responsiveness), for example, by computing the user-device orientation or changes thereto upon determining that the device-earth orientation is substantially flat and/or upon determining that the screen is on and/or upon determining that there has been some motion on the device (as perceived, for example, by its accelerometer, gyroscope and/or magnetometer/compass).

It should also be noted that the above techniques can be used together, either substantially simultaneously or serially (in either order) to improve provide results.

It should also be noted that the described techniques can be adapted/configured to scenarios in which device screen-display orientation may be less discrete (e.g., not limited to being at right angles to the physical device).

In other implementations, the user can be required to perform one or more simultaneous tactile interactions with the device. One or more inputs can be processed in order to determine the number of instances of simultaneous tactile interaction. As referenced above, examples of such tactile interactions include the depressing of one or more buttons, and/or the simultaneous tactile interaction of multiple points and/or locations on a touchscreen display (commonly known as “multitouch”), as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art. It can be appreciated that in certain circumstances, in order to provide two (or more) such simultaneous tactile interactions, a single user must use both of his/her hands. In other implementations, in order to provide six (or more) such simultaneous tactile interactions, a single user must use both of his/her hands (assuming that a single hand is capable of at most five simultaneous tactile interactions).

By way of further illustration, FIG. 15A depicts an exemplary lock screen, in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein. It should be understood that while FIG. 15A is exemplary, it illustrates various aspects of the various approaches described in detail herein. For example, area 1560 depicts various blocks where numbers are presented to the user (such as at random). The user is prompted to input each respective number (e.g., ‘3’) as the number is presented. In randomizing the numbers presented, the user is effectively required to be attentive to the numbers being presented (as opposed to repeatedly inputting the same user-defined lock code). Area 1565 (depicting an image of a fingerprint) corresponds to an area within which the user must maintain constant contact throughout the authentication/unlock process with at least one finger (as described in detail herein). In doing so, the user effectively must dedicate one hand to such constant contact, thereby necessitating that the other unlock procedures (e.g., the inputting of the numbers, as referenced above) be performed with the other hand of the user—thus effectively requiring the user of both of the hands of a user (and thereby creating a situation whereby such a procedure is difficult, if not impossible, for a driver of a vehicle to achieve, especially while driving). Moreover, a timer 1570 is employed, requiring that the user perform the required authentication within a specified time period (as described in detail herein). Moreover, an ‘Emergency Call’ button 1575 enables the user to initiate emergency communications even without authenticating/unlocking the device, as is also described herein.

As referenced above, in certain implementations, various of the referenced approaches can be employed in combination and/or in parallel. Such arrangements entail the processing of multiple inputs, and/or determining one or more characteristics associated with the operation state of mobile device 105, including but not limited to: an orientation of mobile device 105, the relative location of mobile device 105 within the vehicle, a relative movement of mobile device 105, a stability of mobile device 105, and/or a number of simultaneous tactile interactions with mobile device 105. More particularly, it can be appreciated that the implementation of multiple approaches can further increase the accuracy of the collective determinations above that of a single determination, and ultimately ensuring that operation of mobile device 105 by a driver of the vehicle is prevented and/or restricted, while operation by a passenger is permitted. Moreover, such inputs and/or determinations can be processed with other such determinations, visual captures, and or indicators, in order to identify relationships therebetween.

For example, a visual capture can be processed to identify one or more indicators, and/or to determine the orientation of mobile device 105 and/or the relative location of the device 105 within a vehicle (using the various image analysis techniques described in detail above). The visual capture/indicators and/or other inputs can be processed to determine the stability of device 105, as described in detail above (thus further ensuring that the device is not being operated by a driver), while also determining a number of instances of simultaneous tactile interaction, as also described above. In particular, given that mobile device 105 will generally need to be supported against a vehicle's window in order to achieve both a) the proper orientation to obtain a suitable visual capture that confirms the orientation and/or location of mobile device 105, and b) the requisite stability (provided by lodging and/or supporting mobile device 105 against the window, wall panel, and/or door of the vehicle), it can be appreciated that achieving even this degree of orientation/stability requires substantial ongoing control of at least one of a user's hands, as depicted in FIG. 20. Accordingly, it can be appreciated that a user must generally use most, if not all of, the fingers from one of their two hands to orient the device in such a way for any period of time. Thus, it can be further appreciated that practically any simultaneous tactile interactions with device 105 would be exceedingly difficult for a driver of the vehicle who also needs at least one hand to steer. As such, requiring further interaction with device 105 (e.g., a multi-finger swipe motion in order to unlock or otherwise unrestrict the device), in combination with the above referenced determination(s), can further confirm that such a device is being operated only by a passenger.

In certain implementations, a device can be verified to be operated by a passenger by requiring the user to physically interact with the device (e.g., perform a multi-touch or swipe) while the user is pressing the device against a window of the vehicle in the required orientation in a manner that is likely to require the use of a second hand. It can be appreciated that a driver of a moving vehicle cannot easily (if at all) press a device against the window in the required orientation, hold it stably and interact with it. Let alone on the window on the opposite side of the vehicle (s)he is driving.

Then, at step 1542, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, adjusts an implementation of one or more restrictions at/in relation to mobile device 105. It should be understood that in various scenarios, adjusting an implementation of a restriction can entail employing one or more restrictions, modifying an implementation of one or more previously employed restrictions, and/or removing one or more previously employed restrictions. It should be further understood that the adjusting, employing of, modifying of, and/or removing of one or more restrictions at/in relation to mobile device 105 is/are preferably effected based on one or more of the visual captures, indicators, relationship(s), and presences, and/or determinations referenced above. For example, based on the identification of one or more indicators (e.g., identifying the presence/absence of a steering wheel in a visual capture, such as a visual capture of the face of the user while the device is held in a horizontal orientation), one or more restrictions can be employed (e.g., if a steering wheel is present in the visual capture, indicating that the user is likely a driver) and/or removed (e.g., if no steering wheel is present, indicating that the user is likely to be a passenger). By way of further illustration, based on a determination that device 105 is on the left (driver's) side of the vehicle, a restriction can be employed whereby the mobile device is no longer receptive to user inputs. By way of further example, based on a determination that device 105 is facing out the right-hand window of the vehicle and is relatively stable, one or more previously employed restrictions of mobile device 105 can be removed.

At this juncture, it should be understood that in various implementations, the accuracy and/or efficacy of certain of the referenced inputs that are received and/or processed can be compromised when the vehicle within which the mobile device is present is engaged in a turn (as determined, for example, based on inputs originating at accelerometer 145A, gyroscope 145B, or the magnetometer 145E and/or compass 145M, and as described in greater detail herein). This is in part due to the various forces that are present in a turning vehicle that are perceptible by various sensors such as an accelerometer (e.g., through the centripetal force shown on its z-accelerometer) and/or gyroscope, which are not present when the vehicle is traveling substantially straight. Thus, in certain implementations, the various systems and methods described herein can be configured such that various operations, such as the receipt and/or processing of various inputs is precluded (and/or the results of any processing or determination that incorporated such results is discounted, discarded, and/or ignored) when it can be determined that the referenced vehicle is engaged in a turn, such as in a manner described in detail herein.

It should be noted that in certain implementations it can be useful to loosen one or more restrictions (e.g., have them appear intermittently—either at random, at some fixed rate or dynamically according to certain events) after the device user (who has already passenger authenticated) has and/or continues to interact with the device in a manner that further suggests that the user is the passenger by, for example, (a) using the keyboard at a good speed; (b) using the keyboard with low and/or consistent inter-key time variations; (c) using the keyboard with a low level of typographical mistakes; (d) exhibiting device movement that is consistent with that of a passenger.

Moreover, in certain of the implementations described herein, as long as a vehicle occupant does not successfully authenticate as a passenger (and, optionally, even if the user does), it can be useful to allow the user to operate and/or interact with the device via voice (e.g., voice-to-text, voice-to-command, text-to-voice). This feature can optionally be limited to devices that are in a cradle and/or are being used in a hands-free manner.

Turning now to FIG. 16, a flow diagram is described showing a routine 1600 that illustrates a broad aspect of a method for selectively restricting operation of a mobile device 105 in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein.

At step 1610, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171 receives one or more visual captures, substantially in the manner described above with respect to step 1510.

Then, at step 1620, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, processes at least one of the visual captures (such as those received at step 1510) to identify one or more indicators within the visual capture, substantially in the manner described above with respect to step 1620.

At step 1622, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171 receives one or more inputs, such as a directional heading of mobile device 105 originating at from GPS receiver 145C, substantially in the manner described above with respect to step 710.

At step 1623, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171 receives one or more inputs, such as a directional input 105 originating at from magnetometer 145E and/or compass 145M, substantially in the manner described above with respect to step 710.

At step 1623A, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, computes one or more determinations, such as determinations reflecting orientation/position of mobile device 105. By way of example, an input from the accelerometer can be received, preferably reflecting the X-axis position, and such input can be processed to confirm that the device is being held in the required position with respect to the X-axis, such as in the manner described herein. Moreover, in certain implementations various of the methods described herein can be employed which determine the degree of stability and/or the amount of “shake” present at the mobile device, based on which it can be determined whether the device is oriented against a door/window of a vehicle, such as in the manner described above with respect to FIG. 15.

Then, at step 1624, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, processes the received inputs, including the directional heading and the directional input, and such input can be processed to confirm that the device is being held in the required orientation with respect to its Y-axis. That is, it can be appreciated that the directional heading originating at the GPS can be correlated with the directional input(s) from the magnetometer/compass in order determine the orientation of the Y-axis of mobile device 105, as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

At step 1626, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171 further processes the relative orientation of a mobile device, such as of a device held in the required orientation with respect to its x-axis (such as that determined at step 1623A), with at least one of the visual capture (such as that received at step 1610) and the one or more indicators (such as those identified at step 1620) to determine the device's relative orientation. It should be understood that in certain implementations, in doing so, it can be confirmed that the device is being held in the proper Y-axis orientation, i.e., if the device's positive Y-axis is pointed in the direction of the vehicle. It certain implementations, it may be useful to compare the device's Y-axis orientation as determined in step 1624 with the device's Y-axis orientation determined in this step. Such would be particularly useful in correcting a situation where the device was incorrectly placed on the left window of the vehicle in the required X-axis orientation and with the rear facing camera point out (i.e., to the left side), but which rear facing camera was incorrectly identified from the visual capture to be pointing to the right because a vehicle that was moving faster than the vehicle in which the device is present was seen in the visual capture. It should be further understood that in certain implementations the required orientation of the rear-facing camera of the device facing out against the window can be confirmed, and/or can be confirmed/determined to not be held facing out of the window based upon evidence in the visual capture originating at the device (e.g., by determining whether or that one or more interior components of the vehicle, e.g., the window pane, door, etc., are present in the visual capture) and can be confirmed to be facing out against the right window based upon the direction of movement of objects as is described in detail herein. It should also be understood that various additional confirmation approaches can be employed, such as various multi-touch and/or 2^(nd) camera methods, such as those described in detail herein. It can be further appreciated that computing such a correlation enables the further determination of the relative location of device 105 within the vehicle. In determining the orientation of device 105, such as a mobile device held in the required orientation referenced above (as determined based on the GPS and compass headings), the perspective of the visual capture can be further appreciated, thereby enabling the determination of where the user is/is not seated within the vehicle, and thus to what degree of likelihood the user is/is not the driver and/or passenger of the vehicle.

The required orientation consists of three parts: (1) X-axis, (2) Y-axis, (3) pressed against (right) window, (forward-facing camera pointing out).

Accordingly, it should be understood that the operations described with respect to steps 1623A-1626 pertain to various aspects of the “required orientation” as described herein. It should be understood that the “required orientation” preferably consists of/incorporates three parts/aspects/determinations: (1) X-axis, (2) Y-axis, and (3) that the device is pressed against the window of a vehicle, preferably with the rear-facing camera of the device facing out.

Accordingly, it should be understood that inputs originating at the X-axis accelerometer can be processed to confirm that the device is being held in the required X-axis orientation, i.e., landscape orientation, as described herein. Moreover, inputs originating at the camera (i.e., visual captures) can be processed, wherein generally stationary/slower moving objects should move from left to right, and/or GPS heading can be processed against the magnetometer direction to confirm the required Y-axis orientation, i.e., positive Y-axis in direction of vehicle's movement. It can be appreciated that doing so also establishes that the camera (i.e., the rear facing camera) is pointing to the right. Moreover, the degree of “shake” perceived/determined at the device (as it can be appreciated that a device shakes relatively less when held against a window than when held by hand) and/or aspects determined based on the visual capture (being that a device held against window will not show interior components of vehicle) can be processed to confirm that the device is pressed against window. Based on the combined processing of these elements, it can be determined that the device is oriented at the right-hand side window of the vehicle, as described herein.

By way of further illustrations, it should be understood that one or more of the above referenced implementations (e.g., the visual capture processing, the stability determination, etc.) can be further enhanced (or, alternatively, the present implementation can be employed independently, without connection to any other of the implementations described herein) by verifying that the device is pressed against the right window in the required orientation by using the GPS sensor and the magnetometer and/or compass to verify that the orientation of the mobile device is consistent with being pressed against the right window of a vehicle in the correct orientation (as described in detail above). For example, it can be appreciated that in a scenario where a device is pressed against the left-hand side window of a vehicle window in an attempt to fraudulently authenticate the device in the manner described herein, such a device would still provide a GPS heading that is discernibly different than a device comparably positioned against the right-hand window of the vehicle Accordingly, even in a scenario where other of the above-referenced implementations do not accurately determine the identity of the use of the device (as a driver or passenger), the present approach can provide an accurate determination/authentication of the identity of the user of the device as a driver or passenger.

Then, at step 1642, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, adjusts an implementation of one or more restrictions at/in relation to mobile device 105 (that is, employs one or more restrictions, modifies an implementation of one or more previously employed restrictions, and/or removes one or more previously employed restrictions) based on the correlation, substantially in the manner described in detail above with respect to step 1542.

Turning now to FIG. 17, a flow diagram is described showing a routine 1700 that illustrates a broad aspect of a method for authenticating an in vehicle role of a user of a mobile device and/or modifying a restriction of a mobile device 105 in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein.

It can be appreciated that in order for a user to utilize the functionality of the integrated camera 145F of mobile device 105, such a user must grasp and/or come into contact with mobile device 105 with at least one hand. As such, it can be further appreciated that a visual capture taken by camera 145F that depicts two hands of a driver can be determined to be likely to have been taken by a user other than the driver of a vehicle, as will be described in greater detail below.

At step 1705, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, employs one or more restrictions at mobile device 105 and/or in relation to mobile device 105, substantially in the manner described above with respect to step 1505. By way of illustration, in certain implementations such restrictions can configure the mobile device 105 to operate only in landscape mode (that is, depicting the content/user interface shown on the display of the mobile device be depicted only in a landscape, i.e., lengthwise fashion) and/or in landscape orientation (that is, requiring that the X-axis of the mobile device must detect gravity, as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art—e.g., when held lengthwise—an orientation that generally requires two hands to effectively navigate and/or provide inputs to), as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art. By way of further illustration, in certain implementations such restrictions can configure mobile device 105 to receive various inputs only when the mobile device is oriented at a defined orientation and/or within a defined range of orientations (as can be determined using the accelerometer and/or gyroscope of the device). It should also be noted that in certain implementations, the various restrictions employed at/in relation to the mobile device 105 do not preclude partial and/or full operation of the device using voice commands, as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, in certain implementations, the restrictions do not preclude operation of the device for emergency purposes, such as to call or text ‘911’; as is also known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

It should be noted that in scenarios where a device is oriented nearly flat (as if it were on a table) it can be difficult to determine whether the device is being held in portrait or landscape orientation, i.e., whether the Y-axis of the device is pointed towards/away from the user (i.e., portrait orientation) or whether it is perpendicular to the user (i.e., landscape orientation) because the X and Y accelerometers, which are generally used to determine such, have zero readings in this orientation.

The portrait vs. landscape orientation of such devices can nonetheless be determined in cases where the device is held/oriented in such “flat on a table” or nearly “flat on a table” positions based on observations as to how the values associated with the accelerometer and/or gyroscopes of a device change over time and how the “flatness” of the device fluctuates over time (as users generally cannot hold the device perfectly still). For example, a device that is determined to be nearly flat and in portrait orientation (i.e., with its Y-axis pointed at the user) will tend to have greater pitch than roll, whereas were the same device positioned in landscape orientation (i.e., with its X-axis pointed at the user), it would tend to have greater roll than pitch. As such, devices that are held flat and that exhibit greater pitch than roll can be determined to be in portrait orientation and, based on such a determination, can be configured such that the user interface presented on their screens is also in portrait mode, whereas devices that exhibit greater roll than pitch can be determined to be in landscape orientation and, based on such a determination, can be configured such that the user interface presented on their screens is also in landscape mode, for example.

At step 1707, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, prompts a user of the mobile device 105 to initiate and/or provide one or more first inputs at mobile device 105, substantially in the manner described above with respect to step 707. At this juncture, it should be noted that in certain implementations, such prompting includes the presentation, display and/or projection of prompts to the user in an obfuscated and/or obscured manner. That is, such prompts are preferably presented, displayed, and/or projected in one or more ways that require increased concentration and/or attention in order for a user to properly observe and comprehend/appreciate the prompting. Such obscuring/obfuscating of the various prompts/prompting serves to convey the information contained in the prompting (e.g., a word or string that the user must type) in such a way that is relatively more difficult for a driver to appreciate/understand (given that the driver is likely to be distracted by and/or concentrating on various ongoing driving-related tasks) than for a passenger to appreciate/understand (given that the passenger is less likely to be so distracted/concentrated).

By way of illustration, in certain implementations, such as those in which at least some portion of the referenced prompting is conveyed to the user visually (e.g., through the screen of the device), it can be useful to have some or all of such information presented, displayed, and/or projected in a manner that makes it more difficult for someone that is less able to pay close attention to the existence and/or content of such visual information that is required to successfully complete the required action(s), thereby increasing the difficulty for a user who is driving to successfully complete the requested stimulus/input. For example, such visual information can appear for only a short period of time and/or a non-constant time interval (including intervals of time that contain random components) so that a driver of a moving vehicle, who is relatively less able to focus on such visual information, is more likely to miss and/or not see it and/or not process such prompting information (or at least not comprehend/understand it as quickly as a passenger would, on average); thereby further preventing a driver of a device from successfully unlocking such a device (and/or fraudulently authenticating such a device as if the user were a passenger). Moreover, in other implementations, such prompting information can be displayed in a different manner (e.g., in a different location, orientation, color, font and/or shape), consistently and/or periodically. In doing so, it can be appreciated that the ongoing changing of the manner or manners in which such prompts are presented, displayed, and/or projected introduces greater unpredictability for the user viewing/expecting the prompting, thereby increasing the difficulty to the driver in anticipating/appreciating the prompting, as described.

At step 1710, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171 receives at least a first input. Such inputs can include, but are not limited to: alphanumeric inputs provided in response to a prompt (such as a CAPTCHA prompt, as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art), inputs provided during the course of an interactive game, inputs provided in a lock screen, inputs provided during the course of an interactive puzzle, one or more tactile gestures (such as one or more swipe gestures) provided at a tactile sensor such as a touchscreen of the mobile device 105, one or more visual capture(s) and/or one or more inputs from one or more of an accelerometer a gyroscope, a GPS receiver, a microphone, a magnetometer, a camera, a light sensor, a temperature sensor, an altitude sensor, a pressure sensor, a proximity sensor, a near-field communication (NFC) device, a compass, user interface, device buttons, a communications interface, and a vehicle data system.

Then, at step 1720, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, processes the one or more first inputs (such as those received at step 1710) to compute a first determination, the first determination reflecting at least one in-vehicle role indicator which relates to the in-vehicle role of the user of the device as being either a driver or a passenger. This determination, reflecting an in-vehicle role of the user as a driver/passenger, preferably reflects an indication, such as one present in a particular interaction with the mobile device 105, that the user of mobile device 105 is/is not reflecting behavior that conforms with that which can be determined to be associated with drivers and/or passengers. As will be illustrated in greater detail below, it should be understood that certain in-vehicle role indicators can enable determinations regarding the role of a first user based on inputs such as visual captures that reflect aspects of another user (for example, if a first user takes a picture of a second user who is driving a car, it can be determined, based on an identification of the second user as a driver, that the first user is not a driver, and thus is a passenger), while other in-vehicle role indicators can enable determinations based on inputs such as visual captures that reflect aspects of the user him/herself.

By way of example, in one arrangement a visual capture (e.g., a digital image or video) can be processed, such as using image recognition techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art, to identify, within the visual capture, two hands grasping a steering wheel. It can be appreciated that a user grasping the steering wheel of a vehicle can be determined to be likely to be the driver of the vehicle. However, based on the identification of two hands on the steering wheel, it can be further determined that only a passenger in the vehicle is likely to be capable of capturing such a picture using mobile device 105. (It should be understood that in certain implementations, further advanced image processing techniques can be employed, whereby the two hands identified on the steering wheel can be analyzed to determine that the two hands are substantially similar, and thus are likely to belong to the driver—as opposed to the driver placing one hand on the wheel, and the passenger placing another or the angle of the visual capture can be processed/analyzed to determine that the device is not likely to have been in a cradle or to require that the second camera of the device, if available, also record a visual capture which can be processed to make sure there are no signs therein indicating that the driver performed the visual capture, such as in the manner described herein.) Thus, it can be appreciated that in such implementations, while the visual capture itself depicts the hands of a driver, based on such a visual capture one or more determinations can be computed regarding the likelihood that the identity of the user that captured the picture (that is, the user of the mobile device 105) is a passenger.

By way of further example, in another implementation a visual capture can be received and processed, such as by using image recognition techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art, to identify, within the visual capture, the positioning and/or orientation of a seat belt in relation to a user. For instance, if the visual capture depicts a seatbelt as stretching from the right shoulder of a user to the left thigh of a user, it can be reasonably determined that the pictured user is a passenger and not a driver.

By way of further example, in another implementation a user may authenticate himself as a passenger by facilitating the capture/receipt of a visual capture by the mobile device (e.g., from one or more of the device's cameras, such as a front-facing camera) that can be determined (e.g., via one or more image processing techniques) to include the following elements: (i) a seat belt starting from the area of the user's right shoulder (or left shoulder for certain countries like the U.K. which drive on the left side of the road), (ii) the user's face, and/or (iii) the window to the user's right. Such a visual capture can be analyzed to determine whether or not it such elements can be determined to be preset therein, such as by using image processing techniques know to those of ordinary skill in the art.

By way of further example, such a technique may also be implemented in a relatively ‘passive’ manner, such as to make the same or similar determinations based on visual capture(s) that are captured/received in the same or similar manners, even without any direct assistance, input, or activity on the part of the user (e.g., by performing such analysis periodically and/or continuously on visual captures that are captured/perceived by a camera of the device).

Moreover, in certain implementations, in an effort to prevent potential “spoofing” (that is, fraudulent authentication/verification) by drivers in which a driver might place a strip of material (e.g., affixed to her shirt) in a manner appropriate to authenticate as a passenger, based on a determination that a sound or tone that corresponds to a notification/indication (e.g., by the vehicle) that an occupant's seat belt is not fastened while the vehicle is in motion is (or was) audible (e.g., as perceived by one or more of the device's microphones), the authentication attempt can be terminated/ended in failure.

By way of further example, in certain embodiments, an in-vehicle role of a user can be determined if, the user can configure the device to capture a visual capture that can be processed to identify one or more indicators which, implicitly or explicitly indicate that there is a passenger in the car. (It should be understood that such visual capture(s) are preferably captured while the vehicle is in motion, as described in detail above). For example, as referenced above, if the user is able to take a visual capture of two hands on the steering wheel, the user of such device can be determined to be a passenger (as a driver generally cannot both take a visual capture with the device and hold the steering wheel with two hands). By way of further example, if the user of the device takes a visual capture within which a seatbelt going from the right shoulder of the user to left thigh of the user can be identified, the user of such a device can be determined to be a passenger (being that a visual capture that a driver would take of him/herself is likely to show a seatbelt going in the opposite direction).

At this juncture, it should be noted that in certain implementations, various other inputs, including but not limited to visual capture(s), can be received and/or processed in order to determine an in-vehicle role of a user of mobile device 105. For example, mobile device 105 can be positioned (such as in a dock) such that visual capture(s) received by/at the mobile device relate to a user's gaze (captured using a front-facing and/or rear-facing camera of the mobile device, depending on the orientation of the device, as can be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art). That is, the visual capture can be analyzed/processed using image processing techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art, to identify the movements of a user's eyes, preferably while the vehicle is in motion (as can be determined based on various inputs, such as the accelerometer 145A). By way of illustration, if analysis of the visual capture reveals that the gaze of the eyes of the user of the device constantly and quickly returns to the direction of the windshield, it can be determined that the user is likely the driver (as such a pattern would be typical of a driver who needs to maintain ongoing view of the road while driving).

By way of further illustration, in certain implementations, an in-vehicle role of a user of a mobile device can be determined to be a passenger if, while the vehicle is in motion, the user is able to configure the device to take a visual capture based upon which it can be identified (such as through image processing techniques as referenced herein) that the user is able to look (i.e., focus his head and/or gaze/vision) in a manner that only a passenger can and/or a driver cannot. For example, if it can be determined, such as through the referenced image processing analysis of the visual capture, that the user of the device is capable of maintaining a substantially consistent/continuous look/gaze in the direction of the device for a defined period or certain periods of time, the in-vehicle role of such a user can be determined to be a passenger.

At step 1725, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, validates one or more determinations, such as the determinations computed at step 1720. That is, as referenced herein, it can be appreciated that under certain circumstances and/or scenarios, any number of determination approaches can be susceptible to error and/or fraud. As such, it can be advantageous to further validate such determinations, thereby increasing the respective accuracy of each determination. The particulars of such validations will be described with reference to FIG. 17A.

Turning now to FIG. 17A, at step 1726, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, receives one or more second inputs, substantially in the manner described in detail above with respect to step 1710. In certain implementations, such second inputs are preferably different inputs from those received at step 1710 (by virtue of the second inputs originating from a different sensor and/or source, or by virtue of the second inputs being a separate input instance from the first input). By way of example, such second inputs can be received from the accelerometer and/or the gyroscope of mobile device 105.

At step 1727, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, processes the second inputs (such as those received at step 1726) to compute a second determination, substantially in the manner described in detail above with respect to step 1720. In certain implementations (even those where the second input originates from the same source as the first input) the second determination is preferably independent of the first determination, such as the determination computed at step 1720. By way of illustration, the second determination (computed based upon inputs received from the gyroscope and/or accelerometer of the device) can reflect an orientation of the device, such as an orientation of the device with respect to the ground/earth. By way of further illustration, the second determination (computed based upon inputs received from the gyroscope, accelerometer, and/or GPS/magnetometer of the device) can reflect an orientation of the device, such as an orientation of the device with respect to the vehicle within which the device is present, as described herein. By way of further illustration, the second determination (computed based upon inputs received from the gyroscope and/or accelerometer of the device) can reflect a pattern or trend that reflects the manner in which the vehicle within which the device is present is moving (e.g., reflecting acceleration, deceleration, stability, etc.). By way of further illustration, in an implementation where it can be determined that the focus of the user's gaze towards the windshield (as identified based on the processing of a visual capture, as described herein) tends to increase during periods of acceleration, fast speed, and/or other movements, this correlation can indicate that the user is a driver (as a driver is likely to pay additional attention to the road as such driving events occur). (It should be noted that mobile devices 105 having dual cameras—that is, cameras on both their anterior and posterior sides, as are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, are well suited for the referenced determinations, as they enable visual captures of both a user's gaze as well as the scenery outside the vehicle's windshield.)

At step 1728, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, determines a validity of at least one of the first determination and/or the second determination. In certain implementations, the validity is determined by comparing the determinations and/or identifying correlations, relationships, patterns, correspondences, and/or discrepancies between them. By way of further illustration, in certain implementations, if it can be determined, such as through the referenced image processing analysis of the visual capture, that the user of the device is capable of maintaining a substantially consistent/continuous look/gaze in the direction of the device for a defined period or certain periods of time, while the device is held in a certain manner, such as at a particular orientation (as can be determined, for example, using the accelerometer/gyroscope of the mobile device 105), the in-vehicle role of such a user can be determined to be a passenger. It can be appreciated that by requiring that the user maintain his/her look/gaze towards the mobile device while the device is positioned at a particular orientation, such as an orientation and/or a range of orientations that entails the device being positioned substantially horizontally, a user can effectively be prevented from simultaneously looking at the device and also looking at the road ahead. For example, in a scenario where the angle of the device (as can be measured/determined, for example, using inputs originating from the accelerometer and/or gyroscope of the device) is oriented more than a defined threshold amount/number of degrees (e.g., 10, 20, or 30 degrees) (upward/downward/rightward/leftward or some combination thereof) from the typical line of sight of the driver in a moving car, such as is depicted, for example, in FIG. 17B, the in-vehicle role of a user who is capable of maintaining a substantially consistent look/gaze toward the mobile device (as determined through an analysis of the visual capture, as described above) while the device maintains such an orientation can be determined to be a passenger (since it is highly unlikely that a driver of a moving vehicle is capable of maintaining such a gaze towards the mobile device while the mobile device is so oriented, while also effectively driving a moving vehicle). It should be understood that the referenced examples are merely exemplary, and that numerous other implementations are also contemplated, utilizing other inputs, as can be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.

At this juncture, it should be noted that in certain implementations, the various visual capture(s) referenced herein can be processed against one or more databases, such as databases that maintain images/photographs, and such processing can be further utilized in determining the in-vehicle role of a user of a mobile device. For example, it can be appreciated that many regulatory agencies (such as a department of motor vehicles) maintain databases of images of all licensed drivers within a particular jurisdiction. Moreover, it can be appreciated that certain mobile device users, such as children, the visually impaired, and/or the elderly, can frequently travel in vehicles despite the fact that these individuals do not drive, by virtue of the fact that they are not licensed to drive. Thus, in certain implementations, the visual capture of the face of a user can be processed against such a database that maintains photographs of licensed drivers. Using image recognition techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art, if one (or more) photographs from the licensed driver database are identified as substantially similar to the image capture of the face of the user of the mobile device, it can be determined that the user is more likely to be a driver (by virtue of the fact that such a user is known to at least possibly be a licensed driver, and thus can have a propensity to drive). Conversely, if no photographs from such a database are identified as being substantially similar y to the image capture of the face of the user of the mobile device, it can be determined that the user is more likely to be a passenger (by virtue of the fact that such a user may not even possess a license to drive).

By way of further illustration, the above referenced approach (identifying an in-vehicle role of a user based on the degree to which the user can focus his/her look or gaze) can be further implemented in conjunction with one or more of the other approaches described herein. For example, in a scenario where mobile device 105 is equipped with two cameras (e.g., a forward-facing camera which faces the user when operating the phone, and a rear-facing camera which faces away from the user like most traditional cameras), by processing visual captures from a first camera facing the user and visual captures from a second camera facing away from the user (and preferably outside a vehicle window). Based on the processing of such visual captures, a determination that the device is on the right-side of the vehicle can be computed (as described in detail above), and/or a determination that the user is able to maintain a prolonged gaze towards the device can be computed (as also described in detail above). In such a scenario, it can be further determined that the in-vehicle role of such a user of the device is not a driver, and one or more restrictions of the device can be adjusted accordingly.

Then, at step 1742, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, adjusts an implementation of one or more restrictions at/in relation to mobile device 105 (that is, employs one or more restrictions, modifies an implementation of one or more previously employed restrictions, and/or removes one or more previously employed restrictions) based on the determination and/or the validation, substantially in the manner described in detail above with respect to step 1642.

In certain implementations, in scenarios in which visual captures (e.g., those described/referenced herein, such as for passenger authentication, etc.), are performed under low light conditions (e.g., night, rain, etc.), such as can be detected/determined based on input(s) originating from one or more sensors of a device and/or other data sources (e.g., light sensor, cameras, time/date/location, weather report, etc.), light/illumination originating from the device (e.g., screen, camera flashes) can be used to improve the lighting conditions as needed (e.g., illumination level, illumination direction, etc.), such as in order to improve the quality of such visual captures such that they can be processed more effectively, accurately, efficiently, etc.

In certain implementations, inputs (e.g., visual captures) originating from one or more front facing cameras on the device can be used to determine the in-vehicle role of the user (and the set of restrictions applied to the device based upon the in-vehicle role) by detecting (or not detecting) the presence and/or the characteristics (e.g., distance, size, orientation, angle, shape, color, slope, right/left, direction, in-image location, transparency, cleanliness) of one of more objects in the input. For example, (a) a user's (or other person's) face/head; (b) the direction (and use) of a seat belt (i.e., over right shoulder or over left shoulder); (c) the presence and location of windows around a user; (d) the direction in which objects in a window around the user are moving (e.g., right-to-left, left-to-right); and (e) the amount of light on the right side and left sides of a user's face (relative to time of day, direction of travel, location, etc.). In certain implementations a value or measure of one or more of the characteristics (e.g., size, orientation, color, shape) of one or more of the one or more objects when captured by the one or more front facing camera on a device located in different positions in the vehicle (e.g., the positions associated with a driver, front right passenger, rear right passenger, rear middle passenger, rear left passenger) can be determined or otherwise projected or defined. The value/measure of one or more of the actual characteristics of one or more of the one or more objects in the visual capture can be compared to the known values for different vehicle occupants, based upon which the in-vehicle role of the user can be determined and a set of restrictions can be applied to the device based upon the in-vehicle role.

In certain implementations, inputs from one or more rear-facing cameras of the device can be used to determine the in-vehicle role of the user (and the set of restrictions applied to the device based upon the in-vehicle role) by detecting (or not detecting) the presence and the characteristics (e.g., distance, size, orientation, angle, shape, color, slope, right/left, direction, in-image location, transparency, cleanliness) of one of more objects that are present in the input (or not) and/or have different physical characteristics when seen by the camera on a device located in different positions in the vehicle. For example (a) a steering wheel; (b) a vehicle dashboard; (c) the backs of heads and/or head rests; (d) front hood; (e) the location of a hood ornament; (f) one or more windshield wipers or patterns on the windshield made by the windshield wipers; (g) a rear-view mirror; (h) one or more sides of the windshield frame or the (resting) windshield wipers; (i) a side mirror; (j) a user's (or other person's) face/head.

In certain implementations the approximate value of one or more of the characteristics (e.g., size, orientation, color, shape) of one or more of the one or more objects when captured by the one or more rear facing cameras on a device located in different positions in the vehicle (e.g., the positions associated with a driver, front right passenger, rear right passenger, rear middle passenger, rear left passenger) can be determined or otherwise projected or defined. The actual value of one or more of the characteristics of one or more of the one or more objects in the visual capture can be measured and compared to the known values for different vehicle occupants, based upon which the in-vehicle role of the user can be determined and a set of restrictions can be applied to the device based upon the in-vehicle role.

In certain implementations the visual capture tasks described herein can be made more difficult (e.g., to discourage drivers) by introducing additional requirements in order to perform the task (e.g., a button that the user must tap in order to successfully perform the visual capture (which is placed on the display of a device that a driver cannot see because she needs to perform a capture with a rear camera), is in an random and changing location on the display).

In certain implementations, the inputs described herein as originating from one or more front-facing cameras could also originate from one or more rear-facing cameras and/or the inputs descried above as originating from one or more rear-facing cameras could also originate from one or more front-facing cameras. Additionally, the inputs could also come from one or more cameras located in other positions on or in relation to the device.

In certain implementations, one or more of the front-camera classifiers and one or more of the rear-camera classifiers described herein can be used to make the in-vehicle role determination. The visual captures used to make such determination may be performed simultaneously (i.e., front and rear cameras capturing at the same time), interwoven (i.e., front and rear captures taken in turn, e.g., one front frame, one rear frame, second front frame, second rear frame) or consecutively (i.e., front capture followed by rear capture, or vice versa).

In certain implementations, the user may be required to position the device in a particular way for the in-vehicle role to be determined (e.g., at a certain distance to her face, at a certain orientation relative to earth (e.g. landscape, portrait), at a certain orientation relative to the vehicle's direction of movement).

In certain implementations, the device orientation required may be based upon the type of device (e.g., camera position). For example, when the device is a Nexus 5 where the camera is to the left of center (when the device is held in portrait), the user must hold the device in right landscape mode (so that the camera is higher than in left landscape mode), whereas on a device whose camera is right of center the user must fold the device in the left landscape position. Unrelated to the heterogeneity of camera positioning across devices, different positions may be required under different conditions (e.g., time of day, day or year, lighting).

In certain implementations, the above can happen actively (e.g., the user who is a passenger initiates the process to release driver mode) or passively.

For example, a user may be prompted to position a device in portrait mode (e.g., as perceived by the accelerometer) at a distance of 30 cm-40 cm away from her face (e.g., both the presence of a face and the device's distance from face as perceived by the front-facing camera), and pointing towards the rear view mirror (e.g., as perceived by the rear-facing camera), as shown in FIG. 86A. Visual captures can then be captured or otherwise acquired using both the front and rear-facing cameras of the device, such as is described herein. The in-vehicle role of the user can then be determined based upon (a) the angle of the rear view mirror in the rear-facing camera's visual capture (such as is shown in FIG. 86B). For example, in the scenario depicted in FIG. 87A (in which both a driver and passenger are performing substantially the same authentication task from their respective positions within the vehicle), it can be appreciated that the plane of the mirror is likely to be more parallel to the plane of a driver's face (as reflected in FIG. 87B, showing the visual capture of the rearview mirror as captured by the rear-facing camera of the device being operated by a driver, and FIG. 87C, showing the corresponding visual capture of the user as captured by the front-facing camera of the device being operated by a driver) and less parallel to the plane of a front-right passenger's face (as reflected in FIG. 87D, showing the visual capture of the rearview mirror as captured by the rear-facing camera of the device being operated by a passenger, and FIG. 87E, showing the corresponding visual capture of the user as captured by the front-facing camera of the device being operated by a passenger). By way of further example, in the scenario depicted in FIG. 88A (in which both a driver and passenger are performing substantially the same authentication task from their respective positions within the vehicle), it can be appreciated that the size of the rear view mirror and/or the size of the rear view mirror relative to the face, e.g., the size of the rear view mirror and the ratio of the rear size mirror size relative to the face size will be much smaller for rear-seat occupants (as reflected in FIG. 88D, showing the visual capture of the rearview mirror as captured by the rear-facing camera of the device being operated by a passenger, and FIG. 88E, showing the corresponding visual capture of the user as captured by the front-facing camera of the device being operated by a passenger) than for front seat occupants (as reflected in FIG. 88B, showing the visual capture of the rearview mirror as captured by the rear-facing camera of the device being operated by a driver, and FIG. 88C, showing the corresponding visual capture of the user as captured by the front-facing camera of the device being operated by a driver). By way of further example, the direction of the user's seat belt can be determined based on the visual capture originating from the front-facing camera (such as is shown in FIG. 86C), e.g., identifying a seat belt over a user's right shoulder can indicate that the user is more likely to be a passenger, while a seat belt over left shoulder can indicate that the user is more likely to be a passenger, as shown in FIGS. 87C and 87E. By way of further example, an identification of the windows around the user can also be an indicator of the user's role, e.g., a window on user's right can indicate that the user is more likely to be a passenger, while a window on user's left can indicate that the user is more likely to be a driver, as shown in FIGS. 87C and 87E.

In another example, a user may be prompted to position a device in right (or left) landscape mode (e.g., as perceived by the accelerometer) at a distance of 30 cm-40 cm away from her face (e.g., both the presence of a face and the device's distance from face as perceived by the front-facing camera) and point the device forward in the vehicle's direction of travel (e.g., as may be perceived by the rear-facing camera, the GPS and/or the compass/magnetometer), as shown in FIG. 89A. Visual captures can be captured or otherwise acquired using the front-facing (as shown in FIG. 89C) and rear-facing (as shown in FIG. 89B) cameras of the device. The in-vehicle role of the user can then be determined, for example (such as in the scenario depicted in FIG. 90A), based on the angle of the hood/road border (which might be identified, for example, as a part of the rear-facing image that doesn't change significantly from frame to frame), e.g., a hood that has a negative slope is more likely to have been captured by a passenger device (such as is shown in FIG. 90D—it should be understood that FIG. 90E represents the corresponding visual capture captured by the front-facing camera of the device), while a hood with a positive slope is more likely to have been captured by a driver device (such as is shown in FIG. 90B—it should be understood that FIG. 90C represents the corresponding visual capture captured by the front-facing camera of the device). By way of further example, the angle of the lower windshield frame or the windshield wiper, e.g., a lower windshield frame or a windshield wiper that has a negative slope (e.g., relative to the horizon or relative to the hood-road border) can be determined to be more likely to have been captured by a passenger device (as shown in FIG. 90D), while a lower windshield frame or a windshield wiper that is determined to have a positive slope can be determined to be more likely to have been captured by a driver device (as shown in FIG. 90B). By way of further example, in a scenario such as that depicted in FIG. 91A, a pattern on the windshield resulting from the partial reach of the windshield wipers across the windshield, e.g., a circular arc that is fewer than a certain number of degrees can be determined to more likely to have been captured by a passenger device (such as is depicted in FIG. 91B—it should be understood that FIG. 91C depicts a corresponding visual capture captured by a rear-facing camera of the device). Moreover, in a scenario such as that depicted in FIG. 92A, upon determining that a circular arc in the visual capture (such as that depicted in FIG. 92B—it should be understood that FIG. 92C depicts a corresponding visual capture captured by a rear-facing camera of the device) is more than a certain number of degrees, it can be determined that the device that captured it is more likely to be a driver device, while determining that the referenced circular arc is fewer than a certain number of degrees can be determined to indicate that the capturing device is likely to be a passenger device (such as is depicted in FIG. 92B—it should be understood that FIG. 92C depicts a corresponding visual capture captured by a rear-facing camera of the device). By way of further example, determining the direction of the user's seat belt can be used to determine whether a user is a driver or a passenger, e.g., seat belt over right shoulder can indicate that the user is more likely to be a passenger (such as is depicted in FIG. 92E), while a seat belt over left shoulder can indicate that the user is more likely to be a passenger (such as is depicted in FIG. 92C). By way of further example, the arrangement/placement of window(s) around the user can be used to determine whether a user is a driver or passenger, e.g., a window on user's right (such as is depicted in FIG. 92E) can indicate that the user is more likely to be a passenger, while a window on user's left (such as is depicted in FIG. 92C) can indicate that the user is more likely to be a driver.

For example, a user may be prompted to position a device at a distance of 30 cm-40 cm away from her face (e.g., both the presence of a face and the device's distance from face as perceived by the front-facing camera), and point the device toward and capture the face (or side of face or head) of another occupant (e.g., as perceived by the rear-facing camera). For example, FIG. 95A depicts an exemplary scenario in which a passenger is performing the referenced operations, FIG. 95B depicts an exemplary visual capture captured by the rear-facing camera of such a device and FIG. 95C depicts an exemplary visual capture by the front-facing camera of such a device. By way of further example, FIG. 96A depicts an exemplary scenario in which a driver is performing the referenced operations, FIG. 96B depicts an exemplary visual capture captured by the front-facing camera of such a device and FIG. 95C depicts an exemplary visual capture captured by the rear-facing camera of such a device. The in-vehicle role of the user can be determined, for example, based on (a) the orientation of the device relative to Earth; and (b) the orientation of the device relative to the direction of the vehicle's movement (e.g., both as perceived by the accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, compass, GPS, camera(s)), etc., e.g., if the device is in being held vertically (i.e., positive gravity on y-axis) and the x-axis is in the direction of the vehicle's movement, then the front facing camera is pointed to the right and the rear facing camera is pointed to the left (with respect to the direction of the vehicle's movement) and the device can be determined to be likely to be a front-right passenger device (the difficulty of aligning both faces at the appropriate distance(s) without being able to preview the image is likely to be very difficult for a driver). A similar determination can be for other two occupant combinations captured in the visual captures while the device is held a particular orientation.

By way of further example (such as the scenario depicted in FIG. 93A), a user may be prompted to position a device in portrait mode (e.g., gravity on y-axis as perceived by the accelerometer) and use the rear camera to take a visual capture that includes an entire steering wheel (or, a partial steering wheel from which it can be determined (e.g., from the size of the partial steering wheel captured) that had it not been for some form of blockage (e.g., a drivers arm/hand, a seat), then the steering wheel would likely have been captured in its entirety). The in-vehicle role of the user can be determined from (a) the presence of an entire steering wheel in the rear-camera's visual capture e.g., in many cases a the steering wheel is too close and its image in the visual capture too large to for a driver to fully capture it (such as is depicted in FIG. 93B, showing an exemplary visual capture captured by the rear-facing camera of a driver device, showing the steering wheel taking up most of the visual capture and/or not being able to be captured in its entirety). In contrast, in the scenario depicted in FIG. 93C (in which the referenced visual capture is performed by a passenger device), the visual capture captured by the passenger device (such an exemplary visual capture is depicted in FIG. 93D) can be determined to contain the entire steering wheel (e.g., the steering wheel takes up only a portion of the entire visual capture and/or the steering wheel can be identified as being at a distinct angle). It should be noted that, in certain implementations, the difficulty of performing such capture may be increased for a driver by requiring that the device so capture while being held in a particular orientation (e.g., portrait). By way of further example, the device can be determined to be operated by a driver or a passenger based on the angle of the steering wheel in the rear-camera's visual capture. By way of illustration, the plane of a steering wheel is likely to be relatively more parallel to the plane of a device held by a driver (such as is depicted in FIG. 93A) and relatively less parallel to the plane of a device held by a front-right passenger (such as is depicted in FIG. 93C). By way of further example, a determination as to whether the device is being operated by a driver or passenger can be made based on the size of the steering wheel (or a portion thereof, e.g., the radians in the arc of a section of the perimeter of a steering wheel) within a visual capture, e.g., the size of a steering wheel in the visual capture will be much smaller for rear-seat occupants (such as in the scenario depicted in FIG. 94C—it should be noted that FIG. 94D depicts a corresponding visual capture captured by the rear-facing camera of the device) than for front seat occupants (such as in the scenario depicted in FIG. 94A—it should be noted that FIG. 94B depicts a corresponding visual capture captured by the rear-facing camera of the device).

In certain implementations, the described classifiers can be applied to visual captures which are passively taken (i.e., without the user's request) from one or both cameras at opportune times, i.e., when it is determined that there is a higher likelihood of capturing the images needed to determine the in-vehicle role of the user. Among other reasons, this is important for reducing the device's power consumption. For example, if the user is “present”, e.g., if the screen has just been turned on or if the user is actively engaging with the device (e.g., touch, gesture, voice) or the device is cradled (e.g., as perceived by the accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, light sensor), the likelihood of capturing images useful in determining the device user's in-vehicle role is higher than if the user is not present (e.g., the device is in a bag, pocket, on an unoccupied seat).

In certain implementations, once the in-vehicle role of the user is determined with sufficient likelihood, the user (e.g., a driver), can be prevented from attempting again for the remainder of the trip. This will reduce attempts to ‘spoof’ the techniques described herein.

In certain implementations, attempts to ‘spoof’ the described techniques by showing the device artificial visual captures (e.g., a two-dimensional image, a piece of hardware with front and rear visual captures) can be circumvented by having the device emit one or more flashes, e.g., at certain times, for certain lengths, at certain colors, known to the device and which, if not seen in the visual, is indicative of ‘spoofing.’

In certain implementations, the described techniques can be further protected from driver ‘spoofing’ (e.g., by providing pre-recorded visual capture) by asking the user to perform one or more actions that are visible to one or both of the cameras at a certain time during the task. For example, prompting (e.g., audibly, visually) the user to make a certain facial expression (e.g., smile, frown, wink), which, because they aren't known to a spoofing device (e.g., in content or timing), will not be present in the spoofed visual capture, and the user will not pass as a passenger.

It should be noted that the described techniques may use additional light sources (e.g., screen light, flash) as and when appropriate (e.g., night, bad weather, poor light conditions).

It should be noted that the described techniques may need to be reversed in left-side-of-the-road driving countries like the United Kingdom.

Turning now to FIG. 21, a flow diagram is described showing a routine 2100 that illustrates a broad aspect of a method for selectively restricting a mobile device 105 in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein. It should be understood that in certain implementations, including any and all of the implementations and approaches described herein, it can be advantageous to initially determine (e.g., by and/or based on inputs originating at vehicle data system 164) that there is a passenger present in the vehicle. It can be appreciated that if the presence of a passenger within a vehicle cannot be initially determined, it can be more efficient to preclude any/all of the various methods and approaches described herein, such as those which serve to identify the in-vehicle role of the particular user, and thus simply employ one or more restrictions based upon a determination that the user is likely to be the driver. Moreover, in certain implementations, it can be advantageous to initially determine (e.g., based on inputs originating at the mobile device 105 and/or external sources such as vehicle data system 164) that the vehicle within which the mobile device 105 is present is in motion (being that certain restrictions may be preferable/appropriate/necessary only when the vehicle is in motion).

At step 2110, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171 receives one or more inputs, substantially in the manner described in detail above with respect to step 1710. For example, inputs originating at various sensors within a vehicle (e.g., seatbelt sensors, weight/movement/heat sensors at a passenger seat, etc.) can indicate and/or be processed to determine that a passenger is present within the vehicle. Put differently, one or more sensors or sources (e.g., vehicle data system 164) can provide inputs and/or other such information that indicate and/or can be processed to determine that a vehicle is moving and/or that there are occupants in the vehicle other than a driver. In certain implementations, if no such inputs/notifications, etc. are received, and thus the presence of a passenger in the vehicle cannot be confirmed), any or all of the various methods described in detail herein will effectively be precluded, as referenced above, such as by not adjusting any restriction/unlocking the device.

At step 2120, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, process the inputs (such as those received at step 2110) in order to determine a presence of a passenger within the vehicle. That is, as referenced above, in certain implementations (which, as noted, can be employed independently or in conjunction with one or more of the various other implementations and approaches described herein) one or more inputs originating at a vehicle data system (e.g., OBDii or other in-car computer systems such as seatbelt sensors, weight/movement/heat sensors in a passenger seat, etc.) can be processed to determining that there are one or more passenger occupants in the vehicle (and/or a degree of likelihood of such) and/or that more than one occupant is present in the vehicle (and/or a degree of likelihood of such).

Various aspects of the referenced communication interfaces, capabilities, etc., between in-vehicle systems and mobile devices can be employed in order to reduce driver distraction, including distractions originating from the mobile devices. For example, an in-vehicle system that transmits signal(s) (which can be perceived via one or more of the sensors of a device, e.g., one of its radios, microphones, camera, etc.) based on which it can be determined that a device is present within a vehicle and/or allows a device to query the in-vehicle system, can be utilized, in conjunction with the device, to determine whether or not various functionality of the device should/should not be restricted, adjusted, etc. (e.g., to reduce distraction). Additionally, in certain implementations, upon determining that only one occupant is present within a vehicle (for example, based on inputs provided by/received from weight sensors, heat sensors, seat belt sensors, etc.), mobile device(s) determined to be within the vehicle can, by default, are determined to be operated by a driver, and one or more safety measures, restrictions, usage policies, etc. can be applied to/in relation to it. Upon determining that multiple occupants are present within the vehicle (thus allowing for the possibility that a device present within the vehicle is being operated by a passenger), one or more aspects of the functionality of the device can be adjusted, changed etc. (e.g., restricted in one or more ways) that may allow for authentication/unlocking by a passenger (e.g., using one or more of the techniques described herein, such as those which may be relatively easy for a passenger to perform but relatively harder or impossible for a driver to perform) or which may occur passively, without the active involvement of the operator of the device).

In another embodiment, a mobile device can be configured to emit/project a signal upon determining that it is present within a moving vehicle (as determined using one or more of the techniques described herein or known to those of ordinary skill in the art). With respect to a device determined to be in a moving vehicle, but that does not receive such a signal (i.e., from another device in the same vehicle), it can be determined that there is likely to only be one occupant present within the vehicle (i.e., a driver) (e.g., based on the assumption that each vehicle occupant has at least one mobile device) and the functionality of such a device can be restricted as appropriate. It can be appreciated that the accuracy of the referenced technique is likely to increase as mobile devices become even more ubiquitous (e.g., wearable devices, implantable devices, etc.).

In certain implementations, such signal can be homogenous across devices, while in other implementations additional identifying information (e.g., a unique ID) can be encoding in the signal, for example, based on which it can be determined how many devices are present within a vehicle.

It should be noted that various techniques enable the identification of the presence of more than one device within a vehicle associated with the same user (e.g., cross-device advertising techniques, such as are known to those of ordinary skilled in the art) and/or in identifying devices that are being used to circumvent protection systems such as those described herein. In doing so, various restrictions can be implemented, e.g., to prevent a driver with access to more than one device into “fooling” this driver protection technique (intentionally or unintentionally) into thinking that there is more than one occupant in the vehicle. Additionally, if it can be determined, e.g., via another driver protection technique, that it is appropriate to place one or more restrictions on a device, restrictions can also be placed on other devices that can be determined to be relatively likely to belong to/be used by the same user. Moreover, in some scenarios, such restrictions can be applied to the additional devices that are likely to belong to the same user upon determining that they are in relatively close proximity to the primary device.

It should also be noted that one or more of the techniques described herein can be performed at the device, at a server connected to/in communication with the device, and/or any combination thereof.

Then, at step 2142, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module adjusts an implementation of one or more restrictions at/in relation to mobile device 105 (that is, employs one or more restrictions, modifies an implementation of one or more previously employed restrictions, and/or removes one or more previously employed restrictions) based on the determination. That is, it can be appreciated that if the presence of at least one passenger within the vehicle cannot be determined, the various methods and authentication approaches described herein can be precluded/prohibited from commencing and/or made to fail regardless of the result of the other components, accounting for the fact that it is unlikely that a passenger is actually present in the vehicle, and thus the user of the device within the vehicle is likely to be the driver.

It should also be noted that in certain implementations, various of the methods and approaches described herein, such as various approaches for determining an in-vehicle role of a user, can operate based on a default assumption/setting reflecting that the in-vehicle role of the user of the device is a driver, until proven otherwise (through one or more of the various methods described herein). In certain implementations such a default setting can optionally allow the device user unrestricted access until such time as such user wants to perform certain interactions that require passenger authentication.

It should also be understood that the references provided above to holding/maintaining the mobile device at a particular orientation (such as substantially horizontal) are non-limiting, and in certain implementations various other restrictions, methods, approaches, etc. can be employed without requiring such orientation constraint.

It should also be noted that many of the implementations described herein can be implemented alone and/or in different combinations.

It should also be noted that in certain implementations, any of the passenger authentication methods/approaches described herein can be configured to require that certain components/aspects of the authentication methods/approaches be performed at certain times within the process and/or within certain amounts of time and/or for certain amounts of time (e.g., the user must begin a swipe gesture within 1 second of the phone being placed in the required orientation and must be complete the gesture within 0.8 seconds thereafter during which time, for example, the user must place a finger in a certain location of the device for at least 1 second).

It should also be noted that the calculations, computations, and/or processing operations that are required in such authentication processes can be performed at the device itself and/or can be performed at a remote device (such as at central machine 168)—or in some combination thereof, in a manner known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

It should also be noted that in certain implementations, the authentication approaches/methods described herein are configured to prevent/preclude requiring a passenger to re-authenticate his/her device when a vehicle temporarily stops or slows down (e.g., reduces its speed below a certain threshold), during the course of a journey. This can be done, for example, by requiring that a the user of the device re-authenticate only if the vehicle within which the device is present can be determined to have stopped and/or maintained a slow speed (e.g., as can be determined based on inputs originating at the GPS, accelerometer, gyroscope, vehicle data system, antennas, radio frequencies/signals, such as those originating at one or more radio towers, such as those utilized in implementing cellular communication networks, as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and/or other sensors), for more than a certain amount of time. In other implementations, the referenced requirement for re-authentication can be correlated with a determination that the engine of the vehicle within which the device is present is still operating (e.g., based on a determination computed by processing one or more of inputs originating at the accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer and/or microphone, as described herein).

In certain implementations, the context(s) (e.g., present within a vehicle, etc.) that may be determined with respect to various mobile (and non-mobile) devices may depend, among other things, on information received from the sensor(s) that are included within or otherwise in communication with such devices. However, in certain scenarios it may not be efficient (or possible) to determine a particular context of a first device (e.g., with sufficiently the same accuracy, latency, power consumption, etc.) using (only) the sensors associated with the first device. Accordingly, in certain implementations, such context(s) of the referenced first device may be determined (in whole or in part) based on determinations performed with respect to inputs originating at one or more second devices, such as devices that may provide complimentary information (which may or may not be and conveyed directly or indirectly to the first device).

For example, in one implementation, a parent who wants to protect a child's laptop from being used while driving, but which laptop doesn't have the sensors needed to determine that it is in a moving vehicle with sufficient accuracy, in a scenario in which a smartphone is co-located in the vehicle (and is equipped with the requisite sensors to satisfactorily determine that it is in a moving vehicle, such as in the manner described herein), such a smartphone can convey such “in a vehicle” information to the laptop (e.g., via Bluetooth, Wifi, etc.), based upon which the laptop can then restrict its usage accordingly.

In another implementation, a “feature phone” (i.e., a mobile device without the sensors needed to satisfactorily determine whether it is in a moving vehicle) can be protected from being used in a moving vehicle in a scenario in which a smartphone is co-located within the vehicle. For example, once the smartphone determines that it is in a vehicle (such as in the manner described herein), such a determination can be conveyed to the “feature phone” (which may then shuts itself off or restrict itself in some other way) or a 3rd party (e.g., the feature phone's mobile operator or administrator) who can then restrict the device's ability to send/receive texts on the network side.

In another implementation, a company which has a policy to disallow the operation of device cameras in certain locations (e.g., for security reasons) may not be able to effectively implement/enforce such policy on devices that are not able to satisfactorily self-locate. Accordingly, in a scenario in which one or more second devices (e.g., smartphones) can satisfactorily self-locate (in whole or in part), and can be determined to be proximate to the first device, a determination that the device is present within a secure area can be transmitted, based on which the camera policy can be applied.

In another implementation, it may be advantageous to utilize more than one second device to provide the data needed (with or without participation from a first device) to determine the context of a first device. In some cases, leveraging multiple devices, if available, and breaking down tasks across the devices can assist in improving accuracy, reducing latency and reducing power used. For example, a first second device may attempt to determine a walking context of a first device (e.g., a laptop or a feature phone) using an accelerometer, whereas a second device may attempt to determine the walking context of the first device using a gyroscope. Both second devices pass their data to the first device (e.g., the laptop) which then makes a determination as to whether or not it is walking or to a third part (e.g., a remote server) that makes the calculation and, for example, passes the results to the first device or to another server.

Turning now to FIG. 22, a flow diagram is described showing a routine 2200 that illustrates a broad aspect of a method for eliciting an authentication at a mobile device 105 in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein. It should be understood that in certain implementations, such mobile device preferably has one or more authentication modes, such as a first authentication mode and a second authentication mode. Moreover, in certain implementations, such a mobile device preferably has a single authentication mode having a range of settings/parameters that can be adjusted, as described in detail herein.

At step 2205, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, employs one a first authentication mode at/in relation to mobile device 105. By way of example, a first authentication mode can include a lock screen or mode (such as those referenced above at step 1710) wherein a user is prompted/required to provide alphanumeric input(s) in completion of a CAPTCHA exercise, complete an interactive puzzle, etc.

At step 2210, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, receives a first authentication attempt. For example, such a first authentication attempt can include an input provided by the user in attempting to authenticate/unlock the device, such as alphanumeric input(s) (in the case of a CAPTCHA prompt), an input attempting to perform an interactive puzzle, etc.

At step 2220, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, processes the first authentication attempt to determine a degree of authentication success. For example, in the case of a CAPTCHA prompt, the first authentication attempt (that is, the alphanumeric characters input by the user) can be processed to determine the degree to which the input was successful in performing the task required to authenticate the device (such as the percentage of characters in the CAPTCHA prompt that were properly input by the user).

At step 2225, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, employs a second authentication mode based on the first authentication attempt. That is, it can be appreciated that in a scenario where the first authentication attempt did not successfully authenticate the device and/or where the first authentication attempt did not meet a certain degree of authentication success (e.g., inputting at least 70% of the characters in the CAPTCHA prompt correctly), a second authentication mode can be employed. In certain implementations, such a second authentication mode preferably entails an authentication mode that is more restrictive and/or more difficult to authenticate than the first authentication mode. For example, the second authentication mode can require a certain delay (e.g., 30 seconds) before another authentication attempt can be received at the mobile device. By way of further example, a second CAPTCHA prompt can be presented requiring the user to input more letters than the first CAPTCHA prompt, and/or to input such letters more accurately, in order to authenticate/unlock the device.

At step 2226, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, maintains a log of authentication attempts. At step 2230, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, transmits one or more notifications regarding one or more authentication attempts, such as to a third party. It can be appreciated that in doing so, such authentication attempts can be monitored, and users who consistently fail to authenticate their devices can be identified as potentially attempting to authenticate their devices while driving.

By way of further illustration, it can be appreciated that in certain implementations, such as those described above, it can be advantageous to make passenger authentication attempts, which come after failures to authenticate, increasingly/progressively difficult. In certain implementations, this can be achieved by requiring that a certain amount/duration of time elapse before a device, whose authentication has failed, can elicit and/or receive a re-authentication attempt. Such time can also be configured to increase progressively after each authentication failure. Moreover, in certain implementations, such authentication failures can be reported one or more third parties. Moreover, in certain implementations, such authentication failures can entail one or more dynamic changes/adjustments to the parameters of the various techniques required to successfully authenticate (e.g., the device must be more stable on successive attempts in order to authenticate).

It should also be noted that in certain implementations the details of the passenger authentication can be reported/transmitted to one or more third parties, and corresponding logs can be established/maintained for them.

Turning now to FIG. 23, a flow diagram is described showing a routine 2300 that illustrates a broad aspect of a method for eliciting an authentication at a mobile device 105 in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein. It should be understood that in certain implementations, such mobile device preferably has one or more authentication modes, such as a first authentication mode and a second authentication mode. Moreover, in certain implementations, such a mobile device preferably has a single authentication mode having a range of settings/parameters that can be adjusted, as described in detail herein.

At step 2310, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, receives one or more inputs, substantially in the manner describe in detail above with respect to step 1710. Examples of such inputs include, but are not limited to, inputs relating to speed, location, road type, time of day, weather conditions, traffic conditions, (as received, perceived and/or determined based on one or more inputs of the sensors of a particular device, information and/or data received from one or more external sensors and/or devices, such as, for example, external data streams, RSS feeds, and/or databases, such as those accessible over a GPRS data connection, and/or computations and/or determinations that are computed based on one or more of such inputs, information, data, etc.).

At step 2320, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, processes the input(s) to compute one or more determinations. Preferably the determinations reflect a degree to which a user, such as a user in a moving vehicle, is likely to be capable of multitasking and/or is distracted and/or is potentially distracted or distractible. For example, it can be determined that a user of a device present within a vehicle moving at a high rate of speed is likely to be more distracted (such as in scenario where such a user is the driver, on account of the increased concentration that the driver must dedicate to driving at a higher speed) and/or subject to the increasing force(s) (such as in a scenario where such a user is a passenger, especially while the vehicle is moving laterally), moreso than a user in a vehicle moving at a relatively lower rate of speed.

At step 2330, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, employs an authentication mode at the mobile device based on the determination. It should be understood that in certain implementations such an authentication mode can include multiple parameters, settings, and or configurations, while in other implementations such an authentication mode can be selected from among multiple distinct authentication modes, such as a first authentication mode and a second authentication mode. For example, as referenced above, it can be appreciated that a driver present in a vehicle moving at a relatively high rate of speed is likely to be potentially more distracted, and thus relatively less able than a driver present in a vehicle moving at a relatively low rate of speed to provide even a relatively simple authentication (while, at the same time, a passenger in such a vehicle can be similarly limited, on account of the forces imposed on the user while riding in such a fast moving vehicle). It can be similarly appreciated that a user traveling within a vehicle moving at a relatively slower rate of speed is likely to be more capable of multitasking, even while driving, than a comparable user traveling within a vehicle moving at a relatively faster rate of speed, and thus can be determined to be relatively less distracted than such a comparable user traveling in a vehicle moving at a relatively faster rate of speed. As such, in certain implementations, one of the various authentication modes and/or settings thereto can be employed/selected based on a determination that reflects the likelihood that the user is/is not distracted/able to multitask. Thus, by way of illustration, in certain implementations, when the vehicle is moving at a relatively slower rate of speed, an authentication mode/setting requiring relatively more concentration/attention can be employed (such as a CAPTCHA prompt requiring six letters to be correctly/accurately input in order to authenticate/unlock the device), and when the vehicle is moving at a relatively faster rate of speed, an authentication mode/setting requiring relatively less concentration/attention can be employed (such as a CAPTCHA prompt requiring only four letters to be correctly/accurately input in order to authenticate/unlock the device) can be employed.

By way of further illustration, it should be noted that any and all of the implementations, methods, and approaches described herein, including those enumerated above, can also be employed in a manner whereby the difficulty of the task presented to and/or required of a user in order to authenticate the in-vehicle role of a user as a passenger (including the time needed for a user to perform an action in order to so authenticate his/her identity as a driver or passenger, and/or the time limit within which the user is required to so authenticate), can be determined and/or adjusted dynamically based upon any number of factors. By way of example, factors such as speed, location, road type, time of day, weather conditions, traffic conditions, (as perceived and/or determined based on one or more inputs of the sensors of a particular device, information and/or data received from one or more external sensors and/or devices, such as, for example, external data streams, RSS feeds, and/or databases, such as those accessible over a GPRS data connection, and/or computations and/or determinations that are computed based on one or more of such inputs, information, data, etc., such as in the manner described in detail herein) can be considered and/or processed in order to determine and/or adjust one or more operational parameters of a particular authentication task/mode or tasks/modes, as described above. For example, in a scenario where the vehicle within which the user is traveling is moving at a relatively slow speed, the user can be required to complete an authentication task within a relatively shorter time limit (as compared to when the vehicle is moving at a relatively faster speed), thereby accounting for the fact that when traveling at a slower speed, a driver may be able to divert his/her attention from driving for a relatively longer time interval (as compared to when driving faster). As such, the time limit within which the authentication task must be completed can be reduced at lower speeds. (Similarly, it can be appreciated that when traveling at faster speeds, a passenger may require additional time to complete an authentication task, accounting for the additional forces attendant with travel at higher speeds.) By way of further illustration, in certain implementations the duration of time during which a particular authentication task must be performed can also be adjusted dynamically based on any number of factors, such as those referenced above. For example, when a vehicle is traveling at a relatively slower speed, a user can be required to hold his/her gaze into a camera of a mobile device for a relatively longer period of time than such authentication may require when traveling at relatively faster speeds. Being that at slower speeds a driver may be able to divert his/her attention from driving for relatively longer periods of time (as referenced above), the authentication task/mode can be adjusted (such as by requiring that the task be performed continuously for a longer period of time) in order to account for this discrepancy/difference. It should also be noted that in certain implementations, the particular authentication task required of a user (e.g., a swipe unlock gesture, a puzzle, etc.) can be changed or substituted depending on the various factors referenced above. Thus, for example, at one speed a swipe unlock gesture can be required in order to authenticate the user as a passenger, while at another speed a puzzle must be completed in order to complete such authentication.

Moreover, in certain implementations one or more of the authentication tasks/modes referenced herein can be stopped prematurely and/or continued indefinitely depending upon inputs received from one or more sensors that correspond to behavior of a user. For example, if, at some point prior to the end of such a task, the device is determined to be likely to be operated by a driver (e.g., the device or aspects thereof are moving in a certain manner that can be determined to resemble that of a driver, such as (a) a relatively significant amount of ‘shaking’ as can be measured/determined based on inputs originating at the accelerometer and/or gyroscope of the device and/or (b) the manner in which the user input is provided can be determined to more closely resemble that of a driver, such as based on relatively inexact key presses, time to press keys, etc.), (a) the task can automatically be ended prematurely in failure, (b) the task can be scored/registered as failed, even despite the fact that the user may have completed the actual task successfully (and vice versa), and/or (c) the task length/time/difficulty is dynamically changed (i.e., the time in which the user must complete the task can be lengthened or shortened, the difficulty of the task can be increased or decreased, etc.), such as in the manner described herein.

In certain implementations, the authentication task can include elements that may require a response to be provided by the user (e.g., numbers that are presented on the display screen of the device for a fixed or dynamic/random period of time), whereby (a) the element location on the device screen contains or otherwise incorporates a random or varying component/aspect (e.g., elements are placed in different locations on the device display screen on different passenger authentication attempts), (b) the element sizes contain or otherwise incorporate a random or varying component/aspect, (c) the element orientations contain or otherwise incorporate a random or varying component/aspect (e.g., they can rotate around an axis, reflect through an axis, etc.), (d) the time between the presentation of elements contains or otherwise incorporates a random or varying component/aspect, and/or (e) the time during which the element remains on device's display screen contains or otherwise incorporates a random or varying component/aspect. It should also be understood that, in certain implementations, the referenced task elements can be arranged in a static manner (e.g., element 1 is placed at location A, in orientation B for as long as it appears) or can be arranged in a dynamic manner (e.g., element 1 is placed on the device display screen at location A and in orientation B, but moves from location A to some other location (along any path, even a non-continuous one) and/or changes its on-screen orientation from orientation B to some other orientation (e.g., in any way, even if not necessarily continuous), such as for as long as it appears.

In certain implementations, the difficulty of any of the authentication tasks described herein can be adjusted (e.g., up or down), such as based upon the age of the user of the device (as can be determined, for example, based on the adeptness of the user at completing such tasks). It can be appreciated that in many scenarios relatively younger users will be more adept than older users. In addition, users who actively engage in activities that are similar to such task (e.g., game playing, etc.), will be able to perform the task faster and with fewer errors than those who do not.

As such, for example, the younger and/or more adept a user can be determined to be, the harder the passenger authentication task that can be presented to such user. For example, (a) the time to complete the task will be shorter for a younger and/or more adept user than for an older and/or less adept user, and/or (b) the substance of the task to be performed by a young and/or adept user can be more difficult than that for an older and/or less adept user.

The age and/or adeptness of the device user may be (a) identified (e.g., having been provided by a parent, an employer, etc.), (b) discovered (e.g., from auto-fill settings, social network information), (c) determined/estimated (e.g., based on the applications (e.g. games), installed on the device, the number of texts sent on average per unit of time, the type of e-mail accounts on the device (e.g., work/corporate vs. not work), the existence of any connections that might suggest corporate citizenship (e.g., Exchange/APN/VPN), the hours of activity, the speed of typing, the maturity of the prose used in messages, or any other such indicators of the age/adeptness of a user of the device) and/or (d) learned (e.g., adjusted dynamically based upon the adeptness displayed in relation to the device, such as in previous passenger authentication task attempts).

Additionally, in certain implementations, an authentication task can require that at least one hand of the user be constantly engaged with the device for substantially the entire task. For example, the user can be prompted to place a finger on a certain part of the screen (which part of the screen may not be the same from trial to trial) or a certain button which the user is required to hold throughout the task (or else the task may end in failure), such as in the manner described herein in relation to FIG. 15A. Alternatively, the user can be required to perform a gesture with one hand, and to maintain the gesture throughout the task in a manner that is perceptible by the device (e.g., by a camera).

In yet other embodiments, different tasks can be assigned to each of a user's hands. For example, one hand can be required to perform a fixed task (e.g., maintaining contact with a particular area of the device, such as the screen, as described above), while the second hand is required to perform a non-fixed task (e.g., typing).

It should also be noted that, in certain implementations, it can be advantageous to allow passengers to be authenticated by 3^(rd) parties, despite previous failed, inconclusive, incomplete, or non-existent authentication attempts, such as the results of one or more of the above referenced methods. For example, if mobile device 105 is damaged or malfunctions (e.g., due to a broken sensor, environmental disturbances such as weather conditions affecting the performance of the GPS, etc.) thereby precluding various of the authentication methods/approaches (such as those described herein) from being employed effectively, a third party such as an employer or a parent can remotely provide such authentication, such as in a manner known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

It should also be noted that various of the methods described herein are described with reference to a road system where the cars travel on the right-side of the road and where drivers are seated on the left-side of the vehicle. However, it should be understood that the methods described herein are not so limited, and can be similarly employed/transferred to other road systems (such as that of the United Kingdom).

Turning now to FIG. 24, a flow diagram is described showing a routine 2400 that illustrates a broad aspect of a method for selectively modifying a restriction employed at a mobile device 105 in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein.

At step 2410, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, receives one or more inputs, substantially in the manner describe in detail above with respect to step 1710. For example, such inputs can originate at the accelerometer and/or gyroscope of the mobile device 105, and reflect the movement/motion that the device perceives.

At step 2420, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, processes the input(s) to compute one or more trends/patterns. By way of example, inputs, such as those received at step 2410, can be processed to determine one or more patterns, such as those that correspond to driving and/or walking (e.g., by comparing the various inputs to operation signatures that correspond to such activities, as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art). In doing so, one or more trends/patterns can be computed, such as a trend/pattern that reflects that the user of the device is now walking. By way of further illustration, a trend/pattern can be computed reflecting the docking status of a mobile device, such as in the manner described in detail herein.

At step 2442, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, adjusts an implementation of one or more restrictions at/in relation to mobile device 105 (that is, employs one or more restrictions, modifies an implementation of one or more previously employed restrictions, and/or removes one or more previously employed restrictions) based on the one or more trends/patterns. For example, in certain implementations, despite having previously determined that the user of mobile device 105 is a driver of a vehicle (and thus employing one or more restrictions on such a device), upon computing one or more trends/patterns that indicate that the user of the device is now walking (and thus is no longer driving a vehicle), such previously imposed restrictions can be adjusted, eased, removed, etc. By way of further illustration, based on a determination of the docking status of a device, as described in detail herein, one or more restrictions appropriate for a docked device (e.g., a restriction that prohibits voice calls to be made/conducted) can be modified/eased/lifted.

By way of further illustration, in certain implementations, after a device is placed in driver mode (e.g., the user of the device been authenticated as a driver and/or the device and/or restriction are configured such that the device operates by default in driver mode, until the user can prove otherwise by way of one or more authentications, such as through the methods described herein) a further determination can be made with regard to whether the device remains or is no longer in a moving vehicle. In doing so, some or all of various restrictions referenced herein, e.g., operation of a mobile device in a ‘driver mode,’ can be suspended and/or canceled, thus returning the device to its default, un-restricted operation. In various implementations, such a determination can be computed (for example, using inputs originating at one or more of the GPS, the accelerometer, the gyroscope, and/or the RF transceiver/antenna to know which cell towers the device is in communication) based on (a) whether the vehicle has not moved above a certain speed for more than a certain period of time; and/or (b) whether the vehicle has not moved above a certain speed for more than a certain portion over a period of time (the ‘timeout period’). Additionally, in certain implementations, a user who was previously identified as a driver can be enabled to authenticate that he/she is no longer the driver of a moving vehicle in order not to have to wait the full timeout period before regaining full control over the device. In certain implementations, this can be achieved, for example, (a) by holding the device so that the camera of the device can capture (and recognize, such as with face recognitions methods, as are known to those of ordinary skill in the art) the presence of a face (or eyes or gaze etc.) and by then rotating 360 (or more or fewer) degrees, as measured by device's sensors (e.g., magnetometer, gyroscope, accelerometer, etc.), during which time the camera perceives the face (or eyes or gaze etc.); (b) by touching the device in a manner that can be detected (e.g., touching the screen, holding a button, etc.) and by then rotating 360 (or more or fewer) degrees, while the user maintains his/her touch or hold on the device; (c) by moving the device (e.g., up, down, sideways) a distance greater than the distance that a driver in a moving vehicle is able to as measured by the device's sensors (e.g., accelerometer, gyroscope, etc.); and/or (d) by taking a visual capture from close range of a license plate (such a visual capture can be processed to identify an indication of a degree of close proximity of a license plate. It can be appreciated that a driver of a moving vehicle is likely to be incapable of capturing a visual capture within close proximity of a license plate).

It can be appreciated that the referenced techniques are preferably actions or tasks that are difficult, if not impossible, for a user to perform while he/she is still the driver of a vehicle.

FIG. 59 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both.

At 5910, a trip initiation instance can be identified. Such a trip initiation instance can be, for example, an occurrence with respect to which it can be determined that a trip (e.g., traveling in a vehicle) has begun and/or is currently underway. In certain implementations, such a trip initiation instance can be identified using one or more ‘trip start’ identification/determination techniques described herein. Moreover, in certain implementations, such a trip initiation instance can be identified with respect to a device (e.g., a smartphone present within a vehicle).

At 5920, a trip conclusion instance can be identified. Such a trip conclusion instance can be, for example, an occurrence with respect to which it can be determined that a trip (e.g., traveling in a vehicle) is ending/has ended. In certain implementations, such a trip conclusion instance can be identified using one or more ‘trip end’ identification/determination techniques described herein. In certain implementations, such a trip conclusion instance can be identified with respect to the device (e.g., the device with respect to which the trip initiation instance was identified at 5910).

At 5930, a determination that a user of/associated with the device is likely to be a driver or a passenger can be computed. In certain implementations, such a determination can be computed using one or more techniques described herein (e.g., user role determination techniques).

At 5940, one or more actions or operations can be initiated. In certain implementations, such actions/operations can be initiated subsequent to identifying the trip conclusion instance (e.g., at 5920). Moreover, in certain implementations such actions can be initiated in relation to the device and/or the user. Moreover, in certain implementations such actions can be initiated based on/in response to a determination that the user of the device is likely to a driver or a passenger.

Examples of such action(s) can include actions that are not necessarily related to device restrictions. Moreover, in certain implementations such action(s) may be related to the device (e.g., send a message from the device to another party or entity) or not related directly to the device (e.g., charge an insurance policy). It should be further understood that such actions(s) may be tailored or configured to a particular context, setting, and/or industry. For example, with respect to a ‘pay as you go’ insurance policy/company, the determination as to whether the user of the device (which was determined to previously have been in a trip) was the driver or the passenger can dictate whether the insurance company will or will not charge the user for the trip (as described in greater detail below). In a corporate/enterprise context, the determination as to whether the user (e.g., an employee of the company) of the device (which was determined to previously have been in a trip) was the driver or the passenger can be reported to the employer and/or used to determine whether the employee is complying with company policy (e.g., that drivers should not use their devices in certain ways while driving). In a parent/child context, the determination as to whether the user (e.g., a child) of the device (which was determined to previously have been in a trip) was the driver or the passenger can be reported to the parent and/or used to determine whether the child is complying with a policy dictated by the parent and/or the law (e.g., that drivers should not use their devices in certain ways while driving). In a regulatory/law enforcement context, the determination as to whether the user (e.g., a citizen) of the device (which was determined to previously have been in a trip) was the driver or the passenger can be reported to an agency and/or used to determine whether the user is complying with a policy recommended and/or required by law (e.g., that drivers should not use their devices in certain ways while driving).

By way of illustration, it can be appreciated that in some cases it may be advantageous to identify/determine the role of the user of a device (e.g., as a driver or passenger) that is (or has been) present in a trip, such as using one or more of the techniques described herein, even if such determination is only made after the trip has begun or even after the trip has ended (e.g., for reasons of accuracy, power, performance). In some cases such role determination may be achieved with higher accuracy (and/or lower power consumption) after additional inputs from one or more sensors and/or radios (and/or alternative, lower power sensors) have become available/received and/or analyzed. For example, with respect to an insurance company that charges its policyholders based upon the amount they drive (e.g., “Pay How Much You Drive” insurance) and utilizes the policyholder's mobile devices to help monitor how much the policyholder drives (e.g., in time, distance, etc.) it can be advantageous to determine/identify whether the policyholder was the driver (in which case they will be charged) or the passenger (in which case they will not be charged) during each trip. In many cases, however, it is not necessarily imperative that such determination be made (or verified) close to the beginning of the trip—it is sufficient that the determination be made later into the trip or at (or after) the end of the trip (in particular if making such a determination later can help improve the accuracy of such determination). In another example, the described techniques can be implemented by a driver safety research organization which wants to be able to test the effect of certain educational policies on device use by drivers. In order to do so, it wishes to identify certain behaviors as dangerous only when the user is a driver, but there is no significant advantage to making such determination at or near the start of a trip.

Moreover, in certain implementations the in-vehicle role of a user can be used in order to further determine whether a set of data should be included or not used/included in calculating one or more further determinations/scores (e.g., a driver score), which can be used to give feedback (e.g., to drivers, 3rd parties like employers or parents) or can be used as a factor to price vehicle insurance premiums (e.g., by insurance companies).

In certain implementations the relationship between the use of the device and the speed at which the vehicle is traveling can be used in determining the in-vehicle role of the device user. For example, device use by drivers happens relatively more frequently at lower speeds than passenger device use (e.g., relative frequency of driver use is higher than passenger use at red lights).

In certain implementations, a user of a restricted mobile device (e.g., a mobile device that is restricted in one or more ways, such as when the device is determined to be present within a vehicle and/or a trip, until the user successfully verifies that he/she is a passenger, such as in a manner described herein), such as a device that is present within a vehicle/trip, can be determined/identified/assumed (e.g., by default) that if/so long as the user does not verify him/herself as a passenger, they are the driver. Such a determination/identification/assumption can be provided to one or more other services or third parties, including but not limited to: (a) an application (e.g., executing at the device or remotely) pertaining to a usage-based insurance product which may take various action(s) depending on whether the policyholder is determined to be the driver (e.g., in which case his/her driving behavior may be logged and/or scored and factor into his/her insurance premium) or a passenger (in which case it will not); (b) an application (e.g., executing at the device or remotely) pertaining to a “per-mile” or “per-hour” based insurance product which may take various action(s) depending on whether the policyholder is the driver (e.g., in which case she may be charged an insurance premium for such trips) or a passenger (in which case she will not). Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced determination/identification/assumption (e.g., reflecting that a user who doesn't verify as a passenger over the course of a trip is in fact a driver) can be weighted or scored (reflecting, for example, the a degree of likelihood or certainty with respect to the determination/identification/assumption), and such a weight/score can be increased based on various factors including but not limited to: (a) the distance of the trip (the longer the trip, the more likely a user who does not authenticate as a passenger is likely to be a driver), (b) the more active a mobile device user the user is (the more active the user is, the more likely it is that if the user does not authenticate, that he/she is likely to be a driver), and/or (c) the higher the frequency at which the user verifies as a passenger when she is a passenger (the more often the user authenticates as a passenger, the more likely is that if the user does not authenticate, that he/she is likely to be a driver), and the converse.

FIG. 54 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both.

At 5410, it can be determined that one device is connected or otherwise linked to another device, (e.g., an in-vehicle system). For example, various technologies and protocols enable the connection of a mobile device to an in-vehicle system (e.g., an infotainment system, a communication system, etc.), such as MirrorLink, AppLink, Sync, Intelilink, ConnectedDrive, and others. In many such vehicle systems, when a device is connected, the device can/must cede/relinquish some or all control of the device to the vehicle system for as long as it is connected (or, in certain implementations, for as long as the vehicle is moving, ignited, and/or in gear). It can be further appreciated that such vehicle systems can be configured in a manner that reduces user distraction (e.g. based on NHTSA Phase I guidelines).

Accordingly, in certain implementations, a mobile device determined to be connected to a vehicle (e.g., to one of such in-vehicle systems) can be identified/determined to be relatively less distracting (e.g., by virtue of the configuration of the system to which is connected and/or the manner in which such a system can control/override operation(s) of the mobile device, e.g., in view of various safety guidelines that the system is configured with/based on), as compared to a device that is present within a vehicle but not connected to, an in-vehicle system.

At 5420, one or more restrictions can be employed, such as at/with respect to the device. In certain implementations, such restrictions can be employed based on a determination that the device is no longer connected to the in-vehicle system. That is, it can be appreciated that the referenced reduction in driver distraction (e.g., based on a connection of the device to such a system configured based on various safety guidelines) may be ephemeral, as a user may simply disconnect the mobile device from the in-vehicle system to release/remove any such restriction(s). Accordingly, in certain implementations, upon determining that a device is disconnected from an in-vehicle system (e.g., by sensing the termination of a wired or wireless connection on the device), one or more restrictions can be employed (and/or continue to be employed) at/in relation to the device, e.g., for as long as one or more conditions are met (e.g., the device is determined to remain in a moving vehicle, the device is determined to remain in an ignited, or in-gear vehicle). Alternatively, in certain implementations, such restrictions can be employed at/in relation to the device until such time as one or more other conditions can be determined to be met (e.g., the vehicle is no longer moving, the device is no longer in the vehicle, the vehicle is no longer ignited, the vehicle is no longer in gear, etc.). It should be understood that the detection of these various conditions and states can be achieved, for example, using one or more of the techniques described herein or until the user is identified as or authenticates as a passenger (e.g., in the event that the device that was disconnected is being used by a passenger), using, for example, one or more of the techniques described herein.

At 5430, one or more restrictions (such as those employed at 5420) can be adjusted or otherwise modified. In certain implementations, such restrictions can be adjusted (e.g., eased, loosened, removed, etc.) based on a determination that the device has been reconnected to the in-vehicle system.

At 5440, the referenced restrictions (such as those employed at 5420) can be maintained. In certain implementations, such restrictions can be maintained for as long as the vehicle in which the device is determined to present is determined and/or perceived to be in a trip (as determined using one or more of the techniques described herein).

At 5450, one or more restrictions (such as those employed at 5420) can be adjusted. In certain implementations such restrictions can be adjusted based on a perception of one or more changes in an operation of a vehicle, such as a vehicle associated with the referenced in-vehicle system (e.g., the vehicle in which the device is present/traveling). Examples of such changes include but are not limited to changes that pertain to an ignition state of the vehicle (e.g., whether the car and/or its engine is on or off), and/or an in-gear state of the vehicle (e.g., whether the vehicle is in ‘drive’ or ‘park’).

FIG. 55 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both.

At 5510, it can be determined that a first device (e.g., a smartphone, mobile device, etc.) is proximate (or is relatively likely to be proximate to) to a second device (e.g., within a certain distance, radius, etc. of the second device). As described herein, such a second device can be, for example, one or more wireless hardware components (e.g., WiFi access point, Bluetooth devices, speakers, NFC, etc.).

At 5520, one or more trip detection techniques (such as those described herein) can be employed. In certain implementations, such trip detection techniques can be employed based on a determination (e.g., at 5510) that the first device is proximate to and/or can otherwise perceive the second device (and/or can perceive signals, such as wireless signals, which originate from the second device). For example, having determined that a mobile device can perceive a particular access point (e.g., an access point within the vehicle), one or more trip detection techniques can be employed, in order to determine whether the device is present within a trip. Moreover, in certain implementations, one or more of such trip detection techniques can be adjusted based on a determination (e.g., at 5510) that the first device is proximate to and/or can otherwise perceive the second device (and/or can perceive signals, such as wireless signals, which originate from the second device).

Moreover, it should be understood that in certain implementations the determination that the first device is proximate to the second device can reflect that the first device is relatively likely to be present in a trip (e.g., in a vehicle that is currently traveling). By way of illustration, in certain implementations, in addition to (or instead of) the various other techniques described herein (which may detect or determine when a mobile device is present within a moving vehicle), an association or correlation between various characteristics (e.g., IDs, signal strengths, transmission channels, frequencies, etc.) of one or more hardware components (e.g., wireless components, WiFi access points, Bluetooth devices, speakers, NFC, etc.) that are present within the vehicle (whether original equipment or after-market, whether professionally-installed, user-installed or otherwise present within the vehicle without requiring installation or without having been installed) and various device movement characteristics (e.g., within a trip, not in a trip) can determined (and/or learned over time, such as using machine learning techniques as are known to those of ordinary skill in the art). When one or more of the referenced devices (e.g., wireless hardware components that has been associated with particular device movement characteristics is perceived or otherwise observed (e.g., detecting that a certain WiFi access point is in range of the mobile device), a determination may be made as to whether the device is in a trip. For example, if the 14 of the last 15 times that (i) input(s) from one or more of the device's motion sensors (e.g., accelerometer, GPS, etc.) indicated/reflected that it was relatively likely that the device was in a trip (e.g., greater than a certain threshold value), and (ii) the device was concurrently (or within a certain time interval) determined to be in the presence of MAC address 11:22:33:44:55:66 with a signal strength greater than −80 dbm, upon subsequently determining that the device is again in the proximity of this MAC address (and its signal strength is sufficiently high), it can be determined, concluded, or otherwise assumed that the device is again within a moving trip (e.g., even without utilizing other trip detection techniques, such as based on inputs from one or more motion sensors). Such techniques can be advantageous, for example, in a scenario in which the power consumption of various motion sensors is higher than that of sensing wireless hardware components (e.g., scanning, listening), such that tasks associated with motion detection are performed after an initial perception (e.g., of an access point, etc.).

In another implementation, an initial indication of movement (e.g., based on inputs from various sensors such as an accelerometer, etc.) can first be identified/determined, and having determined that motion is present (e.g., there is an increased likelihood that the device may be within a trip), a further determination can be made with respect to whether the device can perceive/is in proximity to a hardware device (e.g., a wireless access point, etc.). Such techniques can be advantageous, for example, in a scenario in which the power consumption of various motion sensors is lower than that of sensing wireless hardware components (e.g., scanning, listening), such that tasks associated with motion detection are performed prior to attempting to perceive/identify hardware devices (e.g., an access point, etc.).

At 5530, one or more notifications can be provided. In certain implementations, such notifications can be provided in relation to the first device. For example, in certain implementations such notification can be provided based on a determination (e.g., at 5510) that the first device (e.g., the mobile device) is no longer proximate to (or can no longer perceive) the second device (e.g., an access point).

By way of illustration, in certain implementations when (i) a mobile device is within a certain proximity to a wireless in-vehicle hardware component and/or (ii) after a trip start has been determined (e.g., using one or more techniques described herein), the device can be configured to notify/query the user as to whether there is a young child in the vehicle (who might not be able to exit the vehicle on her own). If the user indicates that there is one or more such children in the vehicle, when it is subsequently detected/determined that the device is no longer within the referenced proximity to the same hardware component (e.g., WiFi access point, etc.) and/or that a trip has stopped, the device can notify or query the user to confirm that the young child has been removed from the vehicle. The device may also send one or more electronic updates or notifications (e.g., text, data, voice, etc.) to one or more third parties (e.g., a worried mom) reflecting the referenced status.

FIG. 56 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both.

At 5610, a proximity instance to a first device can be associated. Such a proximity instance can be, for example, an instance of a first device (e.g., a smartphone) being determined to be within a defined proximity (and/or being capable of perceiving, such as in the case of a WiFi access point or any other such wireless transmitter/receiver) of a second device (e.g., an access point, Bluetooth transmitter/receiver, etc.), and may be associated with a trip state such as ‘within a trip.’ As described in detail herein, upon determining or otherwise identifying (e.g., based on one or more prior observations) that a particular proximity instance is associated, correlated and/or otherwise coincides with various other inputs (e.g., motion inputs, such as may originate from an accelerometer, GPS, etc.) that reflect and/or that can be used to determine a trip state (e.g., whether a vehicle is or is not currently in a trip), it can be further determined that subsequent identifications of such a proximity instance can be associated with a comparable trip state (e.g., even without affirmatively confirming the trip state, e.g., via inputs from the accelerometer, GPS, etc.).

At 5620, one or more actions can be initiated. In certain implementations, such actions may be associated with the trip state associated with the proximity instance. Moreover, in certain implementations such actions can be initiated based on an identification of the proximity instance with respect to a second device (e.g., a Wifi access point). For example, upon identifying, with respect to a particular device (e.g., a smartphone) a proximity instance with respect to another device (e.g., a WiFi access point) that has been associated with a particular trip state (e.g., ‘within trip’), such a trip state can be imputed or otherwise applied or associated with the device (e.g., smartphone), and one or more actions (which may depend or be triggered by the trip state—such as device restrictions or authentication techniques) can be initiated.

In certain implementations, instead of, or in addition to querying the device user, a determination can be suggested or made as to whether or not there is a young child in the vehicle and/or whether or not the young child left the vehicle, such as based on inputs originating from various vehicle occupant sensors in the car (e.g., weight sensor, heat sensors, seat-belt sensor).

Turning now to FIG. 18, a flow diagram is described showing a routine 1800 that illustrates a broad aspect of a method for selectively restricting an operation of and/or selectively modifying a restriction employed at mobile device 105, such as within a geographic area and/or a date/time window, in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein. As will be described in detail herein, it can be appreciated that under certain circumstances (e.g., within defined spaces and/or times) it can be advantageous to control and/or influence the operation of one or more mobile devices 105, 160 in various ways, such as by configuring such devices to operate in a highly conspicuous/overt fashion. For example, considering the distracting nature of mobile device usage during class (particularly when used in an inconspicuous fashion), it can be advantageous for a school to require that its students only operate mobile devices 105, 160 during school days/time and/or on school locations/grounds and/or in certain location within school grounds (e.g., classrooms) in a manner that is highly conspicuous, thereby effectively precluding the inconspicuous usage of such devices 105, 160 in settings where their use is undesirable.

At step 1811, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171 generates one or more output(s), such as an audio output (such as a beep or chirp) that is projected through speaker 146 of mobile device 105. It should be understood that such outputs can be configured/adjusted in any number of ways (e.g., in frequency, duration, and/or volume), both with respect to their substance (e.g., chirps, beeps, tones, etc.) and the periodic interval within which they are projected (static and/or dynamic). In any event, it should be understood that such outputs are preferably projected at volumes and for durations such that inconspicuous operation of mobile device 105, 160 is effectively precluded (e.g., in a classroom setting) on their account. Moreover, in certain arrangements it can be preferable that such outputs are not so loud and/or so frequent so as to significantly annoy the user and/or those around them while using mobile device 105, 160 in a permitted setting. At this juncture, it should also be noted that in certain arrangements, one or more of the referenced outputs can be generated in response to one or more inputs, as will be described in greater detail below. It should also be noted that, in certain implementations, the referenced device can be configured to generate/project such audio output(s) (e.g., ‘chirp(s),’ etc.) irrespective of one or more other settings (e.g., audio settings) associated with the device (so, for example, the device can continue to ‘chirp’ even when set to silent/vibrate mode).

At step 1812, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, receives one or more inputs. For example, in certain implementations one or more of the outputs projected by mobile device 105 (such as through speaker 146, as described with reference to step 1811) can, in turn be received, as inputs, at the mobile device, such as through microphone 145D.

By way of further example, in other implementations the one or more inputs can correspond to various user interactions with the device, such as tactile interactions (e.g., with one or more tactile sensors such as one or more buttons, a touchscreen, etc., as describe in detail herein) or device movements. Upon receiving such inputs, one or more outputs can be projected, as described above with respect to step 1811. (It should be understood that in the referenced implementations, the sequence with which steps 1812 and 1811 occur are preferably reversed, such that inputs are received, and then outputs are projected based on such inputs. However, as noted herein, the various steps, operations, etc., that pertain to and/or make up any and all of the various systems and methods described herein should not be understood to be required to be performed in a particular order or sequence. Rather, such steps can be arranged and/or performed in any number of sequences, as can be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, and each such sequence/arrangement should be understood to be encompassed by the methods and systems disclosed herein).

By way of further example, it should be understood that in certain implementations, the systems and methods disclosed herein can be configured such that one or more of the output(s) that the mobile device generates/projects upon/in response to a user input are not readily audible to humans, though such output(s) are perceptible to other electronic devices (e.g., a device used by a teacher and/or in the classroom, such as the teacher's mobile device and/or other devices such as devices configured to perform and/or provide the same or similar functionality), in a manner known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In such scenarios, various devices, such as a device used by a teacher, can be configured to perceive and recognize the referenced output(s) (that is, those output(s) that are not readily audible to humans but which may be in the audible range and not audible by virtue of their short duration (temporal summation) and/or their low volume). Moreover, such device(s), such as a device used by a teacher or administrator, can be configured to generate and/or project another signal, such as a signal that is readily audible to humans. In doing so, the teacher and/or others can be alerted (by way of a human-audible signal/tone) to the fact that a mobile device is in use within the classroom. It can be appreciated that such an implementation can be advantageous in certain situations because in utilizing signals that are not audible to humans, potential distractions arising as a result of periodic/ongoing projection of audible noises (as emitted from chirp-enabled devices) are reduced. Moreover, it should be understood that in certain implementations a device, such as a device used by a teacher, can configure other mobile devices (such as mobile devices belonging to students present in the teacher's classroom and/or students in the teacher's class) not to emit readily audible sounds during times when the teacher sanctions use of mobile devices for his/her students, such as for legitimate learning purposes. It should also be noted that various of the implementations described herein can also be configured such that a mobile device, such as a mobile device belonging to a student, generates/projects output(s) that are readily audible to human.

In certain implementations, the referenced chirp-enabled mobile device(s) (e.g., a device belonging to and/or being used by a student) can be configured to receive a special output (such as a signal, as described herein) originating, for example, from another device, such as a device controlled and/or operated by a teacher. As referenced above, in certain implementations, such output/signal can either be readily or not readily audible to humans, whereupon the mobile devices that receive such signal preferably cease to chirp (that is, to project/emit an output as described herein) when the user interacts with the device for some period of time or until they receive another signal that they should re-initiate chirping when the user interacts with the device (it should be noted that in other implementations the device can, by default, not be in chirp mode, or cannot be in chirp mode on account of the teacher disabling it, and chirp mode in such devices can be subsequently activated by the teacher, such as by projecting the appropriate signal to such devices). It should be noted that such special signal is preferably secure so that it cannot be readily emitted by all devices (e.g., non-Teacher Devices so as to unintentionally or nefariously disable chirping on chirp-enabled mobile devices. Methods of ensuring this security are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In certain implementations it can also be useful to utilize two-way communication, including various forms of “handshaking” between the mobile device(s) and the “teacher's device,” in a manner known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

At step 1815, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, adjusts one or more aspects of one or more outputs based on one or more of the inputs. That is, in certain implementations the various device(s) can be configured whereby a device chirps in response to one or more external stimuli (e.g., one or more sounds) in a manner that configures the device to chirp more or less frequently and/or more or less loudly. For example, a teacher that hears a chirp, but is unsure as to which device in the classroom emitted the chirp, can use his/her a mobile device or a different electronic device, mechanical device and/or physiological action (e.g., his/her voice or a hand clap) to emit a signal which, upon receipt and processing by chirp enabled devices, causes such devices to chirp, either in their usual manner or in an alternative manner (e.g., in a more frequent and/or a louder manner). Additionally, in certain implementations, one or more aspects of the outputs/chirps can be adjusted based on various determinations, such as a determination the device is operating in a regular/normal fashion for an extended period of time (indicating that the present use of the device is likely permitted), as described in greater detail below.

At step 1820, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, processes the one or more outputs and the one or more inputs. In doing so, a correlation between the one or more outputs and the one or more inputs can be determined. By way of illustration, in certain implementations a mobile device can be configured to chirp (that is, to generate/project an output), such as in response to a user's tactile input, such as a button press or a tap/gesture at a touchscreen), and the mobile device can, in turn, receive/perceive such chirps by receiving them as inputs via microphone 145D. As such, a correlation can be computed, reflecting the degree to which such outputs (that is, the chirps or signals projected from speaker 146 of mobile device 105) correlate with the inputs (that is, the sound of such chirps/signals) are, in turn, received by microphone 145D. It can be appreciated that if a strong/close correlation can be identified between such outputs/inputs, it is likely that the mobile device is operating properly with respect to projecting and receiving chirp signals. However, if such a strong correlation cannot be determined, it can be determined that the mobile device may have been/has been tampered with, such as in order to prevent the projection of chirp signals (e.g., if the user breaks and/or attempts to muffle/mute speaker 146).

By way of further illustration, in certain implementations the presence/absence of one or more input(s) and/or the presence/absence of a correlation between a first input and a second input can be determined, while the device is within a defined geographic area and/or within a defined date/time window. That is, in certain arrangements restriction module 171 is configured such that one or more inputs (e.g., depressing a button, interaction with the touchscreen, device movement, etc.) cause the outputting referenced above at step 1811. Thus, given that such inputs trigger the projecting of the referenced audio output through speaker 146, it can be appreciated that microphone 145D can be easily configured to have the capacity to detect such an output because the timing in which to look for the signals is exactly known to the device. Accordingly, if a presence of an audio output and/or a presence of a correlation between a first input (e.g., a user depressing a button) and a second input (e.g., detecting the audio output projected by speaker 146 in response to the user's input at microphone 145D) is determined, the restriction scheme (that is a scheme requiring such ongoing ‘chirping’ in order to prevent covert operation of the mobile device) can be determined to be working properly, and no change or adjustment need be made (given that the restriction(s) are preferably configured, in certain implementations, to allow the device 105, 160 to operate in a conspicuous manner). However, if the presence of an audio output and/or the presence of a correlation between a first input (e.g., a user depressing a button) and a second input (e.g., detecting the audio output projected by speaker 146 in response to the user's input at microphone 145D) is not determined, the restriction scheme can be determined to be unlikely to be working properly. This malfunction can, in certain circumstances, be due to a user attempting to prevent mobile device 105, 160 from functioning properly, perhaps in hopes of avoiding the referenced effects/restrictions. In such a case, where it has been determined that device 105, 160 is not operating properly, one or more restrictions can be employed, modified, and/or removed. In doing so, the framework established can ensure that unauthorized use of the device 105, 160 (e.g., during a class) is effectively precluded, except, in certain circumstances, such as in emergency situations. By way of further illustration, it may be useful for the device to output sound (e.g., frequency, duration, volume) from its speakers and listen for it on its microphone, unrelated to the user's interaction with the device, and where such sounds are similar to the sounds that the teacher devices transmit so that the device will not be blocked from receiving the signals from the teacher's device if and when they are transmitted. If the student device does not receive the signals so transmitted by the student device, i.e., the speaker and/or microphone are not working properly, the device will be restricted.

Moreover, in certain implementations, in response to such previously described external stimuli, only those devices that meet one or more conditions (e.g., devices that have chirped within the last few minutes) are to chirp in response to one or more such external stimuli. For example, a teacher that hears a chirp, but is unsure as to which device in the classroom chirped, can use a device or take an action to emit a output/signal which will cause chirp-enabled phones that meet the referenced condition(s) to chirp in their usual or in an alternative manner.

In certain implementations, the output/signal that the mobile device emits/projects upon user input can consist of two or more elements, at least one of which is preferably audible. For example, the detection/determination as to whether the device's speaker is working properly (as referenced herein) can be performed by having the device emit one or more outputs/signals, with or without connection to the user's interactions with the device, that are not ready/easily audible to humans (e.g., due to their frequency, intensity and/or duration), but which can also be perceived by microphone 145D (the “Detection Signal”), while another output/signal, which preferably enables teachers to identify mobile devices that are in use (the “Teacher Signal”), can be at a frequency in the human audible range. It can be appreciated that by emitting/projecting the detection signal in a range or for durations that are not readily audible to humans, such a signal can optionally be transmitted louder, thus improving the signal to noise ratio (SNR), without distracting others.

Additionally, in certain implementations the Detection Signal and/or the Teacher Signal outputted/emitted from different mobile devices can vary across different devices (it should be understood that in certain other implementations such signals/outputs can actually be the same signal). For example, such outputs can be randomized and/or altered by the user input (e.g., different chirps correspond to different types of inputs, e.g., texting, game playing, etc.). This is useful as it can make the task of detecting the chirp more accurate, easier, more power efficient and/or faster.

At step 1842, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, adjusts an implementation of one or more restrictions at/in relation to mobile device 105 (that is, employs one or more restrictions, modifies an implementation of one or more previously employed restrictions, removes one or more previously employed restrictions, and/or maintains one or more previously employed restrictions). That is, as referenced above, in a scenario where a close coordination can be identified between one or more inputs and outputs, such a correlation can indicate that the ‘chirp’ restriction is operating properly at the mobile device, and the employment of such a restriction can be maintained. However, in a scenario where such a close correlation cannot be identified, thus indicating that the device may be malfunctioning and/or has been tampered with. In such a scenario, a further restriction can be employed, such as a restriction deactivating all operation of the device. Finally, in implementations where the teacher's device (or similar) signals to the student's device to disable/enable chirp mode on the student's device, the appropriate changes to the restrictions will be made.

In certain implementations, the student devices can be restricted (e.g., instead of being made conspicuous) as desired based on an instruction originating at a teacher device, i.e., the student device can be put into ‘Class Mode,’ where one or more functionalities of the device are restricted (e.g., all use is disabled except for emergency calls), while Teacher Mode is on or for some period of time.

Turning now to FIG. 25, a flow diagram is described showing a routine 2500 that illustrates a broad aspect of a method for selectively projecting outputs at a mobile device 105 in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein.

At step 2510, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, receives one or more inputs, substantially in the manner describe in detail above with respect to step 1710. For example, such inputs can originate at the accelerometer and/or gyroscope and/or user interface of the mobile device 105, and reflect the movement/motion perceived at the device.

At step 2520, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, processes the input(s) to determine a first relationship (e.g., a correlation). By way of example, inputs, such as those received at step 2510, can be processed, such as with one or more operation signatures. In doing so, a relationship between the inputs received and the operation signatures can be determined.

By way of illustration, it should be understood that in certain implementations, the ‘chirps’ referenced herein can be triggered based on the movement of a mobile device, and/or a combination of user input and movement. For example, inputs received from the accelerometer and/or gyroscope of a device (such as at step 2510) can be processed, such as by being processed with/against one or more operation signatures (that is, data that identifies, such as based on mechanical and/or statistical analysis, how a device moves when engaged in certain activities, such as when a user is texting, walking, etc.). It can be appreciated that in doing so, the manner in which the device is being used can be determined (e.g., whether the device is being used to play a game, text, etc.), such as based on a correlation between the inputs and the operation signature, For example, it can be appreciated that the signature of various inputs originating at the various sensors when the device is being used to text, surf and/or play games is easily differentiable from the sensor signature of the device when the device is at rest and/or when the user is walking with the device on his/her person or in a bag, as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

At step 2522, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, projects one or more outputs based on the first relationship. For example, in a scenario where it has been determined (such as based on the relationship computed at step 2520) that the user is texting or playing a video game on his/her mobile device, the device can be configured to project one or more outputs (e.g., chirps), thereby creating a scenario whereby others (such as a teacher) can be made aware of such activity.

At step 2524, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, processes the one or more outputs (such as those projected at step 2522) and one or more inputs (such as an input received via a microphone, substantially in the manner described above with respect to step 1812). In doing so a second relationship, such as a correlation can be determined that reflects a correlation between the one or more outputs and the one or more inputs, substantially in the manner described above with respect to step 1820. As described in detail above, it can be appreciated that in doing so, it can be determined whether or not the speaker 146 of mobile device 105 is functioning properly (and thus is projecting outputs/chirps, such as those projected at step 2522), or whether the speaker may have been tampered with, as described in detail above.

At step 2542, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, adjusts an implementation of one or more restrictions at/in relation to mobile device 105 (that is, employs one or more restrictions, modifies an implementation of one or more previously employed restrictions, removes one or more previously employed restrictions, and/or maintains one or more previously employed restrictions), preferably based on the second correlation (as computed at step 2524), substantially in the manner described above with respect to step 1842.

Turning now to FIG. 26, a flow diagram is described showing a routine 2600 that illustrates a broad aspect of a method for selectively configuring overt operation of a mobile device 105 in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein.

At step 2602, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, determines a location of the mobile device and/or the current time/date. For example, using the GPS sensor of the mobile device, the location of the device can be determined. Specifically, in certain implementations, the location of the mobile device can be determined as being within a defined area or areas, such as within the grounds of a school, using techniques known as geofencing, as are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In certain implementations, the presence of the device in an area of interest (e.g., the school) can be detected/determined by the device by sensing the presence of the wifi signals associated with the school's wifi transmitters and/or cell towers/base stations that are known to be near the area of interest. By way of further illustration, the current time date can be determined from one or more sources (e.g., the device's internal or remote clock/calendar, and/or a remote/third party source such as the GPS time, the cellular time, the wifi network time, etc.—i.e., sources that a user is potentially less likely to be able to tamper with).

At this juncture, it should be noted that in certain implementations, any or all of the following steps (2605-2642) can be employed based on the determination at step 2602. Thus, by way of example, based on a determination (at step 2602) that a mobile device is within a defined area (e.g., a school) at a certain time (e.g., during school hours), a restriction can be employed at the device, as described with reference to step 2605.

At step 2605, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, employs a first restriction at the mobile device. It should be understood that the first restriction preferably configures the mobile device to operate in an overt mode. It should be understood that the term “overt mode” as used herein is intended to encompass one or more modes and/or operational states of a mobile device that configure the device to operate in such a way such that operation of such a device by a user, on average, will be more conspicuous to others in the vicinity/presence of the mobile device than if the device were not configured to operate in such a way. An example of such an overt mode is a restriction that configures the device to project an audible ‘chirp’ tone in response to every (or only certain) user input(s) received at the device, such as in the manner described in detail herein.

By way of further illustration, in certain implementations, an overt mode can include a restriction that restricts the mobile device to receive one or more commands/actions/events (such as the command to send a message or email or open a message, and email editor, or a browser) only through voice commands. It can be appreciated that in doing so a user of the device will only be capable of sending a message by saying (or shouting) ‘send’ in an audible tone, thereby resulting in overt operation of the device. It should be appreciated that such a restriction can be further employed together with/in parallel to other restrictions, such as restrictions requiring the user to perform one or more tactile gestures (e.g., holding a finger on a region of a touchscreen while saying ‘send’).

By way of further illustration, in certain implementations, an overt mode can include a restriction that restricts the mobile device to receive one or more commands/actions/events (such as the command to send a message or email or open a message, an email editor, or a browser) only based on a ‘shake’ gesture (that is, a gesture that can be identified as an ongoing significant deviation from the typical inputs provided by the accelerometer/gyroscope of a device). It can be appreciated that in doing so a user of the device will only be capable of sending a message by shaking his/her device, preferably vigorously, thereby resulting in overt operation of the device. In other implementations, similar gestures, such as large/broad movements of the mobile device, can similarly result in overt operation of the device. It should be appreciated that such restrictions can be further employed together with/in parallel to other restrictions, such as restrictions that entail the simultaneous projection of one or more chirps/signals, as described herein.

At step 2610, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, receives one or more first inputs, substantially in the manner describe in detail above with respect to step 1710. For example, such inputs can correspond to one or more user interactions with the device, such as the user typing an email, playing a game, etc.

At step 2620, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, processes the input(s). In doing so, a determination can be computed that reflects an operation state of the mobile device. By way of illustration, based on the location within and/or the time/date during which the device is operating (indicating whether the device is/is not within school grounds, and/or whether the device is/is not operating during school hours) in addition to the inputs received (reflecting a particular operation or action being performed at the mobile device), a determination can be computed reflecting the operation state of the mobile device (e.g., a video game is presently being played in a non-school location during school hours, and/or a text is being sent in a school location during recess hours).

At step 2642, processor 110 executing one or more of software modules 130, including, preferably, restriction module 171, adjusts an implementation of one or more restrictions at/in relation to mobile device 105 (that is, employs one or more restrictions, modifies an implementation of one or more previously employed restrictions, removes one or more previously employed restrictions, and/or maintains one or more previously employed restrictions), preferably based on the determination.

It should be noted that in certain implementations, the transmission of signals to and/or the routing of signals received from all or certain mobile devices within a geo-area (which can be detected, for example, using the device's GPS and/or the wifi and/or the cellular tower/base station and/or location information provided from the cellular carrier such as DOA, AOA, signal strength) and/or in a certain date/time range, that are not chirp-enabled (i.e., not configured to chirp on user input) (and/or restricted such as in the manner described with reference to FIG. 26, such as where movement and/or and audible voice is required), is restricted. For example, a school's wifi network can be configured so that it only transmits to/from mobile devices that were known to the wifi network to be chirp-enabled (and/or restricted such as in the manner described with reference to FIG. 26, such as where movement and/or and audible voice is required), or which mobile devices were on a pre-defined list (e.g., using MAC addresses for teacher devices). In another example, one or more cellular carriers would only transmit (voice, data etc.) to mobile devices that are on a school's premises (e.g., within a geo-area) and in their cellular networks, that were known to the cellular network to be chirp-enabled (and/or restricted such as in the manner described with reference to FIG. 26, such as where movement and/or and audible voice is required) or which mobile devices were on a pre-defined list (e.g., MAC addresses or UDIDs for teacher devices). In both cases there can be exceptions for certain usage (e.g., emergency calls, emergency text-messages) whereby the aforementioned networks will allow such communications to pass through.

The following represents a logical flow that reflects the basic operations of various of the implementations disclosed herein, in a manner that can be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.

If chirping application is installed on device  If during school hours   If (device sees school wifi | | device GPS shows in geo-   fenced area | | device sees certain cell towers)    Beep when user inputs     If mic hears beeps      Allow free use     Else      Restrict as per usage policy   Else if GPS shows outside geo-fenced area    Allow free use   Else if no GPS signal    Assume in geo-fenced area  Else   Allow free use

At this juncture, it should be noted in certain implementations, various aspects of the outputs/chirps projected by the mobile device can be determined/dictated based upon various determinations that can be computed in relation to such outputs/chirps and the device's usage. For example, it can be appreciated that a device that is being used actively and/or continuously by a user is relatively less likely to be operating in a manner that is improper. As such, upon determining that a device is so operating, the device can be configured to chirp in a different manner (e.g., by adjusting the frequency and/or pattern and/or volume of the outputs/chirps).

At this juncture it should also be noted that the referenced restrictions (e.g., geographic area and/or date/time can be, and preferably are, established by a third party, such as a school administrator or parent. It should also be noted that the required geographic determinations can be achieved using GPS receiver 145C using standard geofencing approaches known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, in certain implementations, one or more third parties can optionally override various of the restrictions referenced herein. For example, in a scenario where one (or more) of the sensors at a mobile device is broken or malfunctioning, it can be appreciated that various authentication approaches may no longer be possible. As a result, one or more third parties (e.g., a parent, telecommunications provider, etc.) can override such restrictions, in order to account for the malfunctioning/broken sensor, and thus enable the user to use his/her device in an unrestricted manner.

In certain implementations, inputs originating at the magnetometer of a device can be used/processed in order to determine if the device is in a classroom or not by comparing a magnetic map that is presently perceived at a device, such as in its current location, to a database of magnetic maps, such as for a school (or any other such location), and/or a set of rules that define the areas in which students are and are not permitted to use their devices. Based on a determination that the magnetic map of the current location of the device can be matched to the magnetic map of a location in which students are allowed to use their mobile devices, the usage of the device can be allowed. However, based on a determination that the magnetic map of the current location of the device cannot be matched to the magnetic map of a location in which students are allowed to use their mobile devices, the usage of the device can be restricted.

It should also be noted that, in certain implementations, the set of rules defining the allowed and disallowed location(s) may be different for different devices and may change over time (i.e., based upon the day and/or the time of day) and that the magnetic map database may reside locally, i.e., on the device itself, or remotely.

Moreover, in certain implementations, by (a) applying only to a device that is determined to be present on school grounds and/or during the school day, and/or (b) applying to a device that is determined to be in a restricted device usage area, e.g., within a classroom (or at least is not determined to be within a permitted area, e.g., a lunchroom), such restriction (d) can still be bypassed based upon whether and for as long as a teacher has configured the mobile devices in the classroom to allow for their usage, such as in a manner similar to the one in which a teacher may configure devices in the classroom to temporarily not emit sounds as described herein.

It should be noted that whenever there is a signal (audible or inaudible) sent to or from a student device, such signal can also be transmitted via Bluetooth and/or WiFi.

It should also be noted that many of the techniques described herein with regard to reducing the power consumption on the device can apply to the school/classroom setting as well where, in certain implementations, the various sensors of the device and/or other techniques are utilized to determine whether or not the device is on school grounds.

It can be appreciated that people who make noise during movies distract those around them. Mobile devices are a huge source of such unwanted noise. Accordingly, in one implementation, devices in a theater hall can be configured to be selectively restricted while a movie is playing (optionally including its preview and trailers), but without restricting such devices if they are outside the theater hall (e.g., at the popcorn stand, in the bathroom, in the lobby, etc.).

In order to selectively restrict such devices by detecting that they are within a theater hall (e.g., during a movie screening), the microphone(s) of the device can capture(s) and/or pass(es) audio recordings (of some length, frequency, duty cycle, codec, format, filter etc.), such as to a remote server. Such recordings can be processed in order to detect/determine whether the device is in the presence of a screening/movie, such as by identifying sounds associated with a particular movie (such as in the manner performed by Shazam for music), and/or by identifying sounds/patterns that are common to movies (or other media/events) in general. The identity of the particular movie being played can be identified and compared, for example, to a list of currently running movies, such as in order to distinguish it from an older movie (which may be relatively less likely to be screened within a public theater).

This accuracy of such a technique can be improved by selectively employing such techniques if the location of the device (e.g., as determined by its GPS, aGPS, BT, last known GPS, etc.) is first determined to be in or near a movie theater. One way in this can be achieved is to use the GPS, if available, or alternative methods (cell tower, wifi, BT), and/or using the last known GPS location.

It should be noted that while the user may cover the microphone of a device, such as in an attempt to reduce the efficacy of this context-detection technique, the device user will also not be able to effectively engage in a voice conversation (the largest distracted movie watcher problem) with a blocked microphone. It should also be noted that these techniques can also be employed in similar settings, such as where pre-recorded audio is played and/or in settings where known live audio is played, e.g., classical theater, music concerts, speeches (with known text), etc.

In other implementations, a movie attendee who has exited (temporarily or permanently) the theater in which a movie is being screened (e.g., to buy popcorn) and whose device is still in “movie mode” (i.e., is still selectively restricted), can provide a ‘self-declaration’ of the device/user being outside of the theater (e.g., using tactile, audio and/or visual input methods, such as those described herein), and, in doing so, can cause the movie detection mechanism to immediately (or relatively more quickly) acquire sensor information and/or other information to determine whether or not the device is still within movie context, in a manner that is relatively more expedient than would have ordinarily occurred. Such techniques can be particularly advantageous in cases where, on account of power savings, the various data/information acquired to determine whether or not the user is still viewing a movie are acquired with latency (e.g., with delay, in duty cycles, etc.) and/or at less than the fastest sampling rates possible. Accordingly, acquiring such data relatively more quickly (e.g., by triggering such acquisition via the referenced ‘self-declaration’) can enable the device of a movie goer who exited a theater to have such a selective restriction lifted faster/sooner. Phrased differently, this technique can allow power-saving techniques to be applied more readily while reducing the degradation to the user experience.

In other implementations, this problem can be solved (client-side only, server-side only or a combination thereof) by utilizing the digital audio watermarks/coded anti-piracy mark embedded within theater films (or inserting a similar or different mark into the film if such is not present within theater films or are otherwise ineffective for such purpose due to their frequency or other reasons) and such client device(s) can be configured to be selectively restricted when (and for as long as) such mark is heard.

Moreover, in theaters within which sufficient network access (such as to cellular networks) is not present for such devices to properly utilize the techniques described herein, such theater complexes can install one or more access points as needed to facilitate such access. Moreover, the BSSIDs of these access points can provide additional location information to geo-locate the devices within the theater complex (e.g., inside a theatre, outside a theatre, etc.).

In other implementations, a hardware device can be installed within each the theater to be protected. While a movie is playing, such a device can continuously (and/or periodically) emit audio signals (inaudible, effectively inaudible and/or non-distracting) that can be perceived, recognized and/or interpreted by an appropriately equipped device to indicate presence within a movie theater having a live movie playing. Such a signal can be emitted at a frequency and/or at a volume that can prevent it from (and/or mitigate the likelihood of its) being heard outside the theater. In another implementation, such signals can be transmitted over the in-theater sound system.

In another implementation, upon determining that the device microphone is being blocked (when in or near a theater) so that the device does not hear the signal(s) necessary for it to identify that it is present within a theater (e.g., the watermark, the special inaudible signal, etc., as described herein), such a device can be restricted or otherwise disabled. For example, the device-based system can default to operating based on an assumption that the device is present in a movie, such as in the same or similar ways described herein with respect to various classroom implementations.

In implementations with respect to which such watermarks or special signal devices may interfere with routine usage of a device in other places/contexts (despite employing optional countermeasures that may also require positive geo-location data to determine that the device is within a theater in order to employ restrictions), thereby causing such devices to operate based on the assumption that they are present within a movie when they are actually not, the referenced in-theater signals can be randomized and/or varied and/or crowd-sourced so that they could not abused. Various additional methods for securely delivering such signals are also contemplated, as known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

It should be understood, with regard to any and all of the implementations described herein, that while various of the implementations have been described herein as being implemented by a mobile device (for example, employing a restriction at a mobile device), it should be understood that any and all such embodiments can be similarly implemented in relation to such a mobile device, such as, for example, in a scenario where such a restriction is initiated/employed by a third party device such as a central machine that is capable of communication with the mobile device. As such, all references provided herein that refer to a particular operation occurring at a mobile device (e.g., preventing a mobile device from a particular operation) should be understood to also encompass operations performed by an external/remote device which, in turn, can affect the operation of the mobile device (whether directly or indirectly), and all such implementations are equally within the scope of the methods and systems described herein.

Additionally, in certain implementations a communications provider (e.g., a cellular carrier) can optionally restrict the usage a device, such as the device operated by a driver of a moving vehicle. This can be achieved by determining if the device is in a moving vehicle and, if so, assuming that the device is a driver's (and restricting it accordingly), unless the device user has authenticated himself/herself as a passenger, as described herein.

In one implementation, a cellular carrier can determine whether the device is in a moving vehicle by analyzing successive location positions of the device (as can be determined by cellular networks), pursuant, among other things, to government regulations/guidelines that require such networks to be able to determine the location of a cellular device (such as in the case of an emergency), using such location positioning techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art, including but not limited to methods for locating the device such as angle of arrival (AOA), time difference of arrival (TDOA), signal strength (device or cell-tower) and others.

In other implementations, a system/device can be configured to adaptively learn, over time, the context (e.g., moving in vehicle, stationary, etc.) within which a device is present upon receiving (or in the absence of receiving) one or more data signals (e.g., pertaining to WiFi APs, cell-towers, locations or geo-areas, Bluetooth devices, accelerometer signals [e.g., corresponding to walking], etc.) and can then determine the context of the device, alone or in conjunction with other data, upon subsequently receiving (or in the absence of receiving) one or more of such data signals, such as in the future.

For example, if, over the course of a sufficiently long and/or sufficiently recent period of time, it was determined that 98% of the time a device was in range of a particular WiFi access point it was also determined to be present within a moving vehicle, then it can be further determined that, upon subsequently determining that the device is present within range of that same WiFi access point (and, in certain implementations, unless some other data, input, and/or indication to the contrary has been received), the device can be determined to be present within a moving vehicle.

For example, if, over the course of a sufficiently long and/or sufficiently recent period of time, it was determined that 98% of the time a device was in range of a particular WiFi access point and didn't receive a GPS signal (e.g., present deep inside a building) it was determined not to be present within a moving vehicle, then it can further determined that, upon subsequently determining that the device is present within range of that same WiFi access point and not receiving a GPS signal (and, in certain implementations, unless some other data, input, and/or indication to the contrary has been received), the device can be determined not to be present within a moving vehicle.

It should be understood that, in certain implementations, the referenced data can be maintained on a device-by-device basis (or user-by-user basis) and/or aggregated across users (whether non-selectively, or, alternatively, selectively chosen in some manner, e.g., users with similar daily routines, users with similar home or work locations, etc.) such as using one or more ‘crowd-sourcing’ approaches/techniques, such as in a manner known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In another implementation, the cellular carrier/operator can receive location and/or speed information from the device itself, consisting of GPS information and/or information from the one or more of the device's sensors. For example, the cellular carrier can send requests to the device's SIM card to query the device's GPS and pass such information back to the carrier. In another example, the carrier can request information from a process running on the device which can obtain such information from the GPS and/or the device's sensors. If no such process is running on the device (and/or if such a process cannot be initialized), the carrier can identify such device to be a driver device and can further apply the associated restrictions, as described herein. The effectiveness of this method can be increased if the process and/or the information coming from the process is authenticated and/or verified, so as to prevent the transmission of erroneous information that might otherwise trick a cellular carrier into thinking that the device is not in a moving vehicle. Such authentication and/or verification can be done in several ways, for example: (a) The GPS values sent from the device can be compared with those obtained directly by the carrier network. If the carrier network is clearly showing that the device is moving, yet the data the device is passing to the carrier shows otherwise, this can indicate a security problem; (b) the device can pass an authentication code to the carrier in a manner known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Additionally, in order to more accurately and/or more quickly and/or more efficiently determine if the device is in a moving vehicle, the carrier can combine location/speed information sourced from the carrier network with the information sourced from the from the device.

Upon receipt of such device location/speed information, the carrier can determine whether the device is in a moving vehicle. In one implementation, if the speed of the device is greater than a certain threshold speed, it is determined to be in a moving vehicle.

Upon determining that a device is in a moving vehicle and until such time that it is determined that such device is no longer in a moving vehicle, the carrier can restrict (partially or completely) the information that is sent to/from such device unless the device's user has authenticated the device as a passenger device using, among others, any one of the passenger authentication methods described herein. The effectiveness of this method can be increased by ensuring that any passenger authentication is trustworthy, so as to prevent the transmission of erroneous information in order to trick a cellular carrier into thinking that the device is being used by a passenger. This can be done, for example, by authenticating the passenger authentication information, using methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Additionally, the cellular carrier can strengthen any such restrictions by instructing the device's SIM and/or code running on the device itself to further restrict the device (e.g., preventing wifi communication).

Moreover, various security measures can be employed to ensure that the device user does not trick the cellular carrier into providing data to the device while the user is the driver. As example, a device that has been ‘rooted’ or ‘jail-broken’ may not be allowed to authenticate as a passenger. As an additional example, various security options for centrally (e.g., from a cellular data center) authenticating application data sent from a mobile device can be employed, such as, (a) creating non-repeating data by incorporating in-data timestamps to make it harder to ‘replay’ data; (b) using a digital signature to sign data on the device before it is sent to the carrier, where a one-time key generation time process can be employed to make this method even harder to hack/override; (c) performing such authentication at the operating system level (e.g., within the kernel) to make it harder to replace the trusted data with altered data; and/or (d) performing the authentication at the hardware level. These techniques and similar ones are known to those of ordinary skill in the art of computer security and cryptography.

It should also be noted that, in certain implementations, some or all of the various techniques and technologies described herein can be incorporated entirely or in part into the operating system of a device. In doing so, various operations can be relatively less susceptible to user interference/intervention, and also make the processes executing with respect to the various techniques relatively more stable and/or more energy efficient.

It should be noted that in some methods of passenger authentication (for example, passenger authentication methods that incorporate a repeated pass-phrase, pass-code and/or pass-action), the effectiveness of such methods can be increased by incorporating a protocol that further enhances security, by (a) running at least one component process of the passenger authenticating process on the device in a manner that allows such component process to be authenticated against a central server using a pre-assigned private key that signs OS information about such components and/or other components by using a signed kernel module; (b) if the component process authentication succeeds, by having a central server send a phrase, code and/or action to the passenger authenticating process on the device which, in turn, displays such phrase, code and/or action to the user; and (c) sending the phrase, code and/or action input/performed by the user back to a central server, whereupon the central server only authenticates the device user as a passenger if the phrase, code and/or actions match those that were sent and are performed in a timely manner.

It can also be appreciated that it can be advantageous to intelligently manage use of energy/power at a mobile device, such as in any or all of the various contexts and settings described herein. Due in part to their small size, mobile devices have energy constraints (e.g., limited battery power). Accordingly, it can be advantageous to identify and control processes running on mobile devices that use energy unwisely/sub-optimally. Moreover, because mobile devices are nomadic, they are easily misplaced. Such misplacement, among other things, presents a security threat.

Accordingly, in certain implementations a context in which a device operates (e.g., one or more of: moving, moving in a vehicle, moving in a particular type of vehicle [e.g., bicycle, car, truck, bus, airplane], connected to a power source, battery state, user presence [as can be determined, for example, by screen state (on/off), lock screen state (on/off), keystrokes, button presses, camera, audio, proximity, heat, etc.], prompting the user to determine if the user believes that the context is such that the use of one or more device resources should be changed, etc.) can be determined. Based upon the determined context(s), one or more resources used by one or more processes on the device can be adjusted (e.g., processes that use screen display, wake locks, sensor calls, camera, speakers, microphone, RF, wifi, data communication, etc.), such as based on the determined context, thereby providing various benefits (e.g., energy savings, increased security, better and/or more accurate information/determinations, etc.).

FIG. 33 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both. At 3305 an operational state of a first sensor of a device can be determined. At 3310, an operational state of a second sensor of the device can be selectively adjusted, such as based on the operational state of the first sensor.

FIG. 34 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both. At 3405 a power connection status of a device can be determined. At 3410, an operational state of a sensor of the device can be selectively adjusted, such as based on the power connection status.

In certain implementations, inputs originating at one or more of the sensors of a device (including but not limited to GPS, RF, Wifi, NFC, BT, accelerometer, gyroscope, camera, microphone, magnetometer, light meter, proximity sensor, temperature sensor, compass, keyboard, buttons, etc.) can be used/processed to determine if the device is moving and/or where the device is located. If it is determined that the device is not moving for more than a certain period of time (e.g., 5 minutes), applications that are employing a ‘wake lock’ (e.g., a screen wake lock, a CPU wake lock, a GPS wake lock) can be cancelled and/or modified. For example, many navigation applications (e.g., Waze) that run on mobile devices use wake locks to override the screen lock settings of the device in order to keep such applications continuously visible to the device user. Such wake locks are often static, i.e., for as long as the application is running (e.g., in the foreground), the wake lock persists. Accordingly, upon determining that the device is not moving for some period of time (e.g., no significant GPS changes for 5 minutes), a wake lock of such applications can be overridden (thereby enabling the lock to be disabled). Such techniques can be particularly applicable with respect to applications or processes that already acquire and/or use location based information and/or movement based information because little to no or additional energy expenditure is likely to be required to employ the operations disclosed herein. Moreover, such context-based resource management determinations and operations can also enable certain security benefits. For example, in a scenario where a device was running a navigation application (e.g., one that implements a screen/CPU wake lock) and the user forgot the device somewhere (e.g., in a vehicle, in a restaurant, etc.), the screen of the device will not lock (on account of the screen/CPU wake lock which continues to be employed), thereby allowing anyone who finds the device to easily access the information on the device. By adjusting the device resource usage (in this example, the screen usage of the device as a result of its wake lock) based upon its context, it can be determined that this device was not moving and its wake lock can be overridden, thereby preventing access (or further access) to the device by unwanted persons.

In another implementation, a wake lock can be controlled dynamically based upon the location of the device as determined by inputs originating at one or more of its sensors in conjunction with and/or separate from the movement of the device as also determined based on inputs originating at one or more sensors. For example, if the device is determined not to have moved for some period of time, but is determined to be within a certain distance of a specific location (e.g., the home or office of a user), the wake lock can be overridden according to one rule (e.g., wait a relatively longer time before overriding the wake lock is), whereas if the device is not determined to be near such a location, the wake lock can be overridden according to a second, more stringent rule (e.g., wait a relatively shorter time before overriding the wake lock).

It should also be noted that overriding a wake lock can be implemented in various forms (e.g., canceling the wake lock altogether, changing the type of wake lock (e.g., from a bright wake lock to a dim wake lock), and/or canceling the wake lock and taking an action like dimming the screen).

It should also be noted that the ability to control device resources (e.g., by controlling wake locks) based upon their device's context (e.g., by determining if the device is moving and/or it location) so as to reduce energy expenditure and/or improve security can also enable the implementation of processes and/or applications that have heretofore not applied certain resource intensive techniques (e.g., wave locks, sensor sampling) because of the referenced energy consumption and security concerns, thereby enabling responsible/sustainable employment of such resource intensive techniques and, in so doing, allow their users access to better and/or more accurate information and a better user experience.

In certain implementations, if a device is determined to be oriented in a ‘flat’ orientation (e.g., resting on a table, as can be determined, for example, based on one or more accelerometer inputs) and also ‘upside down’ (i.e., with the screen of the device facing downwards, such as towards the table, which can also be detected one or more accelerometer inputs), then it can be determined that the user is unlikely to be looking at the screen of the device. Accordingly, based on such a determination (and, in order to save power), the display/screen of the device can be turned off/dimmed, or otherwise deactivated, even before the device's ordinary screen timeout would have otherwise turned it off. Such a state/status with respect to the display/screen can be maintained until, for example (i) the screen is activated (such as upon receipt of an input, button press, etc.), (ii) the orientation of the device is determined to have changed so that it is relatively more likely that the user is using (or may wish to be using) the screen, and/or (iii) the orientation of the device is determined to have changed (as in (ii)) within a certain period of time, otherwise the screen can remain deactivated (despite orientation changes) until the screen is affirmatively activated (as in (i)).

In another implementation one or more of the sensors that are used by any of the processes running on the device can be controlled dynamically based upon the device's context. For example, the accelerometer of the device can be used to determine that the device is not moving, and, as a result, a process that uses the (much higher energy expenditure) GPS can be stopped and/or the rate at which such process uses the GPS can be slowed (in certain implementations, even to zero). Such dynamic control of sensors can be affected in various ways. For example, from within a particular process itself (in the GPS example, the process using the GPS can register to receive GPS information less frequently), through the mechanism that controls the sensor readings and/or the distribution of the information therefrom (in the GPS example, the device can be configured to acquire GPS information relatively less frequently).

In another implementation, power connection state, status, and/or context of a device can be determined, i.e., whether or not the device is connected to a power source. If it is determined not to be, processes running on the device can be notified accordingly and can selectively reduce the resources that they are using. If the device is determined to be connected to a power source, the processes running on the device can also be so notified and can selectively increase the resources that they are using. Determination of the context can be further refined by also taking into account the level of charge of the device's battery. For example, if the device is not connected to power, but its battery is fully charged, it can be reasonable for processes to use resources more aggressively, whereas if the battery not fully charged, processes can be configured to lower their use of power intensive resources.

It should also be noted that the context determination(s) described herein can be implemented within an application/process and/or by another process on the device (e.g., a user process, a system process) which distributes or makes available such context information to other processes, such as those running on the same device (e.g., via an API). Moreover, parts and/or aspects of the context determination(s) can also occur in locations that are external to the device (e.g., one or more nearby mobile devices, other computers, one or more remote computers, etc.).

It should also be noted that many or all of the determinations and/or other operations referenced and/or described herein can be useful (and therefore provided) to other applications or processes running on the same device (and/or external to the device) so that multiple applications do not need to perform the same or similar determinations. Such determination(s) can be provided to such applications or processes (e.g., through an API). For example, a navigation application that wants to prevent a driver from the distraction of inputting a destination while driving but wants to permit a passenger to do so, can be configured to query the application's API as to whether the device is (a) in a trip and/or (b) is being operated by a driver or a passenger.

Many of the techniques described and/or referenced herein can have one or more components that differ for specific devices, such as based upon previously observed behavior of that device and/or that of a user associated with the device and/or an environment/context associated with the device. For example, the angles at which a device is held/oriented (such as those consistent with operation by a driver or a passenger) can be “learned,” (e.g., using machine learning techniques are known to those of ordinary skill in the art), the speed at which a user types and the consistency of such speed (as a driver and/or as a passenger) can be learned, the characteristics/patterns with which a device moves/shakes when used by a user can be learned, or practically anything that happens repeatedly, so as to better fit a set of rules to differentiate the role of a user explicitly (e.g., in-vehicle role, ability to perform a task) or implicitly (e.g., from the location of user) for each particular user can be learned.

These one or more varying components can also be classified based upon the different contexts of each user, e.g., when a user is a driver and when the user is a passenger using various techniques (e.g., trained learning and/or untrained learning, clustering) as are known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In certain implementations a mobile device operated by a bicyclist (or another vulnerable road user like a pedestrian, skateboarder, roller-blader, runner etc.) can transmit the real-time location of the device to a remote server.

Moreover, in certain implementations a mobile device determined to be used within a vehicle (e.g., a car, truck, bus, train) by a user determined to be driver (or passenger) can transmits the real-time location of the device to a remote server (e.g., as is done in crowd-sourced ‘SatNav’ applications like Waze).

Moreover, in certain implementations an application can determine (and, optionally transmits to a remote sever) the mode of transportation determined (e.g., bicycle, car, etc.), such as with respect to the user of the device. In certain implementations, such determination(s) can be made in a relatively passive manner, e.g., based on the device's sensors (e.g., the accelerometer and/or gyroscope readings, changes and variability thereto and the spectral frequencies thereof). For example, bicycles are always falling and being corrected, whereas most other vehicles are generally balanced on the ground. This distinction can be made using the device's sensors (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscope, magnetometer, etc.). By way of further example, a transportation mode can be determined based on the determined speed (e.g., based on GPS), such as with respect to the change in speed between portions of the road having different gradients (as most vehicles other than bicycles have relatively lower sensitivity to gradient and/or gradient changes). By way of further example, a transportation mode can be determined based on changes of angle in turns (as bicycles angle into turns while four-wheeled vehicles do so much less). By way of further example, a transportation mode can be determined based on the spectral frequencies measured/determined by the sensors of a device, as those determined with respect to a bicycle are relatively different than those of the sensors of a device being used in a car. By way of further illustration, a transportation mode can be determined relatively actively, such as by prompting a user to identify (e.g., with voice, touch, haptic, etc. inputs) the mode of transportation being used, such as prior to the start of (or during) a trip, and/or by virtue of the fact that the information provided in this system can be packaged differently for different use cases (e.g., bicycles vs. drivers) and the transportation mode of the device user can be determined from the application used.

In certain implementations a driver or a cyclist can elect to receive alerts (such as real-time alerts) to their device based on a particular of transportation type, mode, or class. For example, cyclists can select to receive alerts of approaching motor vehicles and motor vehicle drivers can select to receive alerts of nearing cyclists. Such alerts can be delivered to the user by the device visually (e.g., on screen), audibly (device makes a distinctive noise) and/or hapticly (device vibrates in some way, e.g., that may be user configurable and can even be integrated into the transportation equipment, e.g., device causes user handlebars to vibrate, device causes the steering wheel to vibrate, etc.).

FIG. 38 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both. At 3805 one or more inputs can be received, such as in relation to a user device. At 3810, the one or more inputs can be processed, such as in order to determine a transportation type associated with the user device. At 3815, the transportation type can be processed, such as in relation to one or more aspects associated with one or more other devices. In certain implementations, the transportation type can be processed in order to generate one or more notifications, such as with respect to at least one of (a) the user device or (b) at least one of the one or more devices. In certain implementations, the transportation type can be processed in relation to a visibility condition state. Moreover, in certain implementations the transportation type can be processed in order to generate one or more notifications, such as with respect to the visibility condition state. At 3820, the one or more notifications can be provided, such as to at least one of (a) the user device or (b) at least one of the one or more devices.

FIG. 39 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both. At 3905 one or more inputs can be received, such as in relation to a user device. At 3910, the one or more inputs can be processed, such as in order to determine a transportation type, such as a transportation type associated with the user device. At 3915, the transportation type can be processed, such as in relation to one or more data items associated with the transportation type. Moreover, in certain implementations the transportation type can be processed in order to generate one or more notifications pertaining to the transportation type. At 3920 the one or more notifications can be provided, such as in relation to the user device.

Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced alerts can be filtered to be operative/employed only in certain areas and/or situations and/or conditions, such as based upon the selection of the device and/or the device user's supervisors (e.g., parents, employer etc.). For example, a cyclist might choose to receive alerts of nearby motor vehicles (a) when she is not near a city, (b) when a particular vehicle is determined to be exhibiting dangerous behavior (e.g., driving above a certain absolute speed, driving above a speed relative to the allowed speed on the current road (e.g., a vehicle travelling more than 20 MPH above the speed limit), swerving, is determined to be a dangerous vehicle based on its current drive or from historical information, etc.), and/or (c) when the road conditions are determined to be dangerous/unsafe (e.g., poor visibility due to weather, night, windy road etc.). In another example, a driver can choose to filter out alerts for nearby bicycles where (a) the bicycle is on the opposite side of the road of the driver's vehicle (e.g., as can be detected/determined by the GPS in one and/or successive readings, by the accelerometer and the road angle (a bicycle climbing on one side of the road and a bicycle descending on the opposite side of the road have different accelerometer readings when fixed to the bicycle with known orientation) and/or (b) the bicycle is determined to be on the sidewalk (e.g., as can be detected from GPS and/or successive GPS readings, from the accelerometer readings as a bicycle riding on the sidewalk approaches and leaves some intersections when the bicycle has to come down from sidewalk and re-elevate to the curbside).

Moreover, various aspects of the information learned/determinations made by/in relation to the various techniques described herein can be incorporated into SatNav (satellite navigation) applications, such as those that provide real-time or near real-time alerts to users (e.g., Waze), such as with respect to road conditions or other information.

Additionally, in certain implementations information relating to the transportation mode, such as of the vehicle within which a device is present/operating, can be generated/provided. For example, device users who are determined to be riding bicycles can be provided information on the nearest bicycle stores (e.g., for repairs), the nearest restaurants (to fuel up), the relevant recommended cyclist spots (e.g., good climbs, good off-roads), etc.

In certain implementations, information pertaining to pedestrians can be provided, for example at crosswalks, where such users can be provided with alerts to approaching vehicles. Moreover, in certain implementations drivers can be alerted to pedestrians nearby to (e.g., in or approaching) a crosswalk area.

It should be noted that while several of the techniques described herein pertain to allowing vehicles and vulnerable road users to better co-exist, many of these techniques can also be implemented in order to improve the co-existence of vehicles with other vehicles or vulnerable users with other vulnerable users. For example, it can be advantageous for vehicle drivers to be aware of/alerted to other vehicles that are approaching/nearing them, such as in situations of poor visibility (e.g., a blind corner or a blind turn, poor visibility conditions like snow, fog, exiting a “hidden driveway,” etc.). By way of further example, a vulnerable road user (e.g., a runner) can be alerted when another vulnerable user (e.g., a cyclist) is approaching, such as from behind.

Moreover, while the techniques described herein can be employed in settings in which information is delivered with the involvement of a remote server, any or all of the described operations can also be implemented directly between respective devices (e.g., the bicyclist's device can communicate directly with the driver's device, rather than through a remote server).

Additionally, such techniques can also be employed with respect to a fixed device on the vehicle side (e.g., a vehicle infotainment system, an OBDII system) and/or the bicycle side (e.g., a bicycle computer). Moreover, such a fixed device can provide redundant and/or additional sources of information (e.g., speed) or improved alerts (e.g., via a larger screen, louder speakers, more consistent remote communication, etc.) that can be used to augment (e.g., via increased accuracy and/or functionality), confirm (e.g., via increased accuracy) or replace (e.g., with respect to lower latency and/or power consumption considerations) information otherwise obtained from and/or or determined with respect to a nomadic device (e.g., a portable device such as a smartphone).

It can be appreciated that various SatNav applications (e.g., Waze) provide alerts that are positionally fixed/static (e.g., that a car is stuck on the roadside in location X). Such alerts are either passed to all users or passed to users when they are near the location of the alert. As such, described herein in various implementations are alerts that are positionally dynamic, i.e., alerts to items/occurrences whose position is changing (e.g., a bicycle rider, a wide vehicle, a slow vehicle, etc.). In addition, such dynamic position alerts can be provided by the alertee.

Moreover, various navigation applications (e.g., Waze) include features whereby the locations of various other users can be presented (anonymously or not) to a particular user. Accordingly, using detection/determination techniques such as those described herein and (optionally) further incorporating the ability of a user to self-identify his/her mode of transportation, technologies described herein can be configured, such as in conjunction with a navigation application, to show/indicate/provide alert(s) to the user as to the mode of transportation of other users, whether in total (i.e., showing all modes of transportation for all displayed users), or selectively (e.g., showing/alerting a user only to vulnerable users, e.g., bicycles, pedestrians, etc., that are coming close, showing/alerting a user only to large trucks that are nearby, etc.).

Many of the techniques described herein with respect to reducing the power consumption on the device can be apply to the bicycle/vulnerable road techniques described herein, where, in certain implementations, one or more sensors and/or other methods can be utilized in order to determine whether or not a vehicle (within which a device is present/operating) is within a trip, and/or the mode of transportation used in such trip (e.g., bicycle, walking, rollerblades etc.).

It should also be noted that, in certain implementations, games and/or game-related features can be incorporated into one or more of the technologies described herein. For example, in certain implementations, ‘points’ or ‘credits’ can be awarded to a user who initiates the execution of a determination/verification application (e.g., an ‘app’ capable of determining whether a device user is likely to be a driver or a passenger). In other implementations, such ‘points’ or ‘credits’ can be awarded to a user who successfully authenticates as a passenger, and/or such ‘points’ or ‘credits’ can be deducted from a user who fails to authenticate.

In certain implementations, it can be advantageous, such as in relation to a navigation application, to notify a user when the route that is usually optimal from their current location to their current destination (as is determined by navigation applications that implement dynamic routing, such as Waze, as well as those using static routing), is determined to be sub-optimal, such as on a temporary basis (e.g., due to road work, heavy traffic, etc.). It should be understood that the referenced ‘current destination’ of the user can be determined, for example, based on a user input (e.g., audio, touch, visual [e.g., gestures], etc., inputs) into the navigation application, and/or can be determined (or “learned”), such as based on historical routes taken by such user (which can be accounted for based on the days of the week and/or the different times of day during which such routes are determined to be traveled, for example).

FIG. 40 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both. At 4005 one or more navigation instructions can be computed or received, such as between a first location and a second location. At 4010, the one or more navigation instructions can be processed, such as in relation to at least one of (a) one or more previously computed navigation instructions between the first location and the second location or (b) one or more previously traveled routes between the first location and the second location. It should be understood that, in certain implementations the referenced locations (e.g., the first location and/or the second location) can be practically any points along a navigation route (that is, not necessarily the origin or destination of a particular trip). In certain implementations, the one or more navigation instructions can be processed in order to determine one or more disparities, such as between the one or more navigation instructions and the at least one of (a) one or more previously computed navigation instructions between the first location and the second location or (b) a previously traveled route between the first location and the second location. At 4015, one or more notifications can be generated, such as based on the one or more disparities. In certain implementations, the one or more notifications can include one or more navigation instructions that characterize an aspect of the navigation between the first location and the second location in relation to the at least one of (a) one or more previously computed navigation instructions between the first location and the second location or (b) a previously traveled route between the first location and the second location. Moreover, in certain implementations, the one or more notifications can include one or more navigation instructions that characterize an aspect of the navigation between the first location and the second location as an instruction to deviate from at least one aspect of the at least one of (a) one or more previously computed navigation instructions between the first location and the second location, (b) a previously traveled route between the first location and the second location, or (c) one or more frequently traveled routes between the first location and the second location.

Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced notifications can include various navigation instructions that characterize an aspect of the navigation between the first location and the second location as an instruction to continue performing at least one of the one or more navigation instructions that were previously provided, such as is described herein. Additionally, in certain implementations the referenced navigation instructions (that are included in the referenced notification) can be those instructions that were previously provided during the same trip as the navigation instructions received at 4005 (e.g., an instruction that repeats a previously provided instruction/instructs the user to continue performing a previously provided instruction, such as is described herein). Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced notifications (such as those generated at 4015) can include various navigation instructions that characterize an aspect of the navigation between the first location and the second location as an instruction to continue performing at least one navigation operation (e.g., a navigation operation that was already or is currently being performed, such as during the same trip). It should be understood that ‘navigation operation’ can refer to a driving/transportation operation or maneuver, such as may be performed by the user (and which may not necessarily correspond to a navigation instruction that is explicitly provided by a navigation application), for example, an instruction to continue driving straight (which the user may already be currently doing and which a navigation application would not otherwise explicitly instruct).

At 4020, the referenced notification(s) can be provided, such as in relation to a location associated with the one or more disparities (such as those determined at 4010) (e.g., at a defined time or distance interval prior to the arrival of the user at a location at which the routes diverge). In certain implementations the notification(s) can be provided via one or more interfaces (e.g., interfaces of the device and/or interfaces external to the device). Examples of such interfaces include but are not limited to a display interface, an audio interface, an illumination interface, or a haptic interface. Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced notification can be provided in a manner that is relatively more prominent than the notification(s) provided with respect to the prior navigation operations (that is, relatively more prominent than notifications provided previously/earlier within the same trip) (e.g., in order to draw greater attention to the notification). For example, the notification can be provided in a manner that is, for example, relatively louder, relatively faster, relatively brighter, relatively stronger, relatively slower, relatively more redundant (e.g., by repeating an instruction multiple times), relatively longer, relatively more dynamic (e.g., moving more/faster on display), relatively bolder, relatively larger (e.g., in font), relatively more red or yellow in hue, etc., than the notifications provided with respect to the prior navigation operations (that is, relatively louder, etc., than notifications provided previously/earlier within the same trip). In certain implementations, the referenced notification(s) can be provided in a different voice, tone of voice, etc. (e.g., in a ‘male’ voice, in contrast to the manner in which other notifications are provided, e.g., in a ‘female’ voice) than the notifications provided with respect to the prior navigation operations. In certain implementations, the referenced notification(s) can be provided in conjunction with non-verbal sounds/tones (e.g., such instructions can be preceded by a ‘beep’). Additionally, in certain implementations a degree to which the operation is relatively unlikely to be complied with can be determined (such as in a manner described herein) and, based on the degree to which the navigation instruction is relatively unlikely to be complied with, at least one of the one or more interfaces at which to provide the one or more notifications can be selected (for example, one interface—e.g., an audio interface—can be selected if the operation is highly unlikely to be complied with, while another interface—e.g., a visual interface—can be selected if the operation is relatively less unlikely to be complied with). Moreover, in certain implementations a degree to which the operation is relatively unlikely to be complied with can be determined and, based on the degree to which the navigation instruction is relatively unlikely to be complied with, the notification can be provided in a manner that is relatively more prominent than one or more other notifications provided with respect to the one or more prior navigation operations (for example, with respect to an operation that is highly unlikely to be complied with, the navigation instruction can be provided in a highly prominent manner—e.g., considerably louder than other instructions during the trip—while with respect to an operation that is relatively less unlikely to be complied with, the navigation instruction can be provided in a relatively less prominent manner—e.g., only somewhat louder than other instructions during the trip). At 4025, the providing of a notification, such as a notification that does not correspond to the one or more disparities (e.g., those determined at 4010), can be precluded, suppressed, or otherwise modified/restricted, such as in a manner described herein.

FIG. 48 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both. At 4805 one or more navigation instructions can be computed or received, such as between a first location and a second location. It should be understood that, in certain implementations the referenced locations (e.g., the first location and/or the second location) can be practically any points along a navigation route (that is, not necessarily the origin or destination of a particular trip). At 4810, the one or more navigation instructions can be processed, such as in relation to at least one of (a) one or more previously computed navigation instructions between the first location and the second location or (b) one or more previously traveled routes between the first location and the second location to determine one or more disparities between the one or more navigation instructions and the at least one of (a) one or more previously computed navigation instructions between the first location and the second location, (b) a previously traveled route between the first location and the second location, or (c) one or more frequently traveled routes between the first location and the second location. At 4815, one or more notifications can be generated, such as based on the one or more disparities. Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced notifications can include various navigation instructions that characterize an aspect of the navigation between the first location and the second location as an instruction to continue performing at least one of the one or more navigation instructions that were previously provided, such as is described herein. Additionally, in certain implementations the referenced navigation instructions (that are included in the referenced notification) can be those instructions that were previously provided during the same trip as the navigation instructions computed/received at 4805 (e.g., an instruction that repeats a previously provided instruction/instructs the user to continue performing a previously provided instruction, such as is described herein). Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced notifications (such as those generated at 4815) can include various navigation instructions that characterize an aspect of the navigation between the first location and the second location as an instruction to continue performing at least one navigation operation (e.g., a navigation operation that was already or is currently being performed, such as during the same trip). It should be understood that ‘navigation operation’ can refer to a driving/transportation operation or maneuver, such as may be performed by the user (and which may not necessarily correspond to a navigation instruction that is explicitly provided by a navigation application), for example, an instruction to continue driving straight (which the user may already be currently doing and which a navigation application would not otherwise explicitly instruct).

At 4820, the referenced notifications can be provided in relation to a location associated with the one or more disparities (such as those determined at 4810) (e.g., at a defined time or distance interval prior to the arrival of the user at a location at which the routes diverge). In certain implementations the notification(s) can be provided via one or more interfaces (e.g., interfaces of the device and/or interfaces external to the device). Examples of such interfaces include but are not limited to a display interface, an audio interface, an illumination interface, or a haptic interface. Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced notification can be provided in a manner that is relatively more prominent than the notification(s) provided with respect to the prior navigation operations (that is, relatively more prominent than notifications provided previously/earlier within the same trip) (e.g., in order to draw greater attention to the notification). For example, the notification can be provided in a manner that is, for example, relatively louder, relatively faster, relatively brighter, relatively stronger, relatively slower, relatively more redundant (e.g., by repeating an instruction multiple times), relatively longer, relatively more dynamic (e.g., moving more/faster on display), relatively bolder, relatively larger (e.g., in font), relatively more red or yellow in hue, etc., than the notifications provided with respect to the prior navigation operations (that is, relatively louder, etc., than notifications provided previously/earlier within the same trip). In certain implementations, the referenced notification(s) can be provided in a different voice, tone of voice, etc. (e.g., in a ‘male’ voice, in contrast to the manner in which other notifications are provided, e.g., in a ‘female’ voice) than the notifications provided with respect to the prior navigation operations. In certain implementations, the referenced operation(s) can be provided in conjunction with non-verbal sounds/tones (e.g., such instructions can be preceded by a ‘beep’). Additionally, in certain implementations a degree to which the operation is relatively unlikely to be complied with can be determined (such as in a manner described herein) and, based on the degree to which the navigation instruction is relatively unlikely to be complied with, at least one of the one or more interfaces at which to provide the one or more notifications can be selected (for example, one interface—e.g., an audio interface—can be selected if the operation is highly unlikely to be complied with, while another interface—e.g., a visual interface—can be selected if the operation is relatively less unlikely to be complied with). Moreover, in certain implementations a degree to which the operation is relatively unlikely to be complied with can be determined and, based on the degree to which the navigation instruction is relatively unlikely to be complied with, the notification can be provided in a manner that is relatively more prominent than one or more other notifications provided with respect to the one or more prior navigation operations (for example, with respect to an operation that is highly unlikely to be complied with, the navigation instruction can be provided in a highly prominent manner—e.g., considerably louder than other instructions during the trip—while with respect to an operation that is relatively less unlikely to be complied with, the navigation instruction can be provided in a relatively less prominent manner—e.g., only somewhat louder than other instructions during the trip). At 4825, the providing of a notification, such as a notification that does not correspond to the one or more disparities (e.g., those determined at 4810), can be precluded, suppressed, or otherwise modified/restricted, such as in a manner described herein.

It can be appreciated that navigation applications generally instruct a user when to take certain actions (e.g., “in 800 meters turn right”, “at the roundabout take the 2^(nd) exit,” etc.). Accordingly, in certain implementations such applications can be improved/augmented by configuring them to provide instructions to users pertaining to when not to take certain actions (e.g., “in 800 meters, at the intersection, do not take a left”, or “in 800 meters, at the intersection, go straight”). Such functionality can be advantageous to users when a route to their current destination that is usually optimal is temporarily not optimal (e.g., due to road work, heavy traffic, etc.). For example, if the route that is generally fastest from a user's home to the user's place of work included turning left at a particular intersection, but that route was not optimal on a particular day/time (e.g., due to road work, heavy traffic, etc.), and the currently best route involved proceeding straight at such intersection, existing navigation systems might simply omit the “turn left” instructions. However, such an omission may well not be recognized by a user, particularly one who frequently travels such a route (e.g., a commuter), and such user may likely turn left at the referenced intersection by force of habit. Accordingly, providing an explicit negative instruction such as “do not turn left at” or an implicit negative instruction such as “go straight at [the referenced intersection]” and/or any other such technique that can emphasize and/or alerting the user to the recommended change can be advantageous in such situations. Moreover, such techniques can be particularly useful when the user's ordinary routes are learned/observed over time and the instructions/notifications provided by the navigation application are generated and provided relative to such learned routes. In doing so, changes in routes relative to those that the user follows often can include negative instructions, whereas changes to routes that the user knows less well may be omitted (or less prominently emphasized), thereby further improving the user's driving experience. In another implementation, a navigation application can provide such implicit negative instruction(s) by advising a device user to “make a left now instead of at the next intersection”. One exemplary implementation is depicted in FIG. 49.

FIG. 97 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both. At 9710 a first set of navigation instructions can be received. Such a first set of navigation instructions can include navigation instructions such as from a first origin to a first destination. At 9720 a second set of navigation instructions can be received. Such a second set of navigation instructions can include navigation instructions such as from a second origin to a second destination. Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced second set of navigation instructions can include one or more previously traveled routes (e.g., routes previously traveled by the user), one or more frequently traveled routes (e.g., routes frequently traveled by the user), and/or one or more previously computed navigation instructions. It should be noted that, in certain implementations, the first origin can be equivalent to the second origin and/or the first destination can be equivalent to the second destination. At 9730, the first set of navigation instructions and the second set of navigation instructions can be processed. In doing so, one or more disparities between the first set of navigation instructions and the second set of navigation instructions can be determined, such as with respect to one or more locations. In certain implementations, one or more instructions that are present in both the first set of navigation instructions and the second set of navigation instructions and one or more disparities between the first set of navigation instructions and the second set of navigation instructions can be determined. Such disparities can include one or more instructions that follow/succeed the instructions that are present in both the first set of navigation instructions and the second set of navigation instructions that are present in the second set of navigation instructions but are not present in the first set of navigation instructions and/or or that are present in the first set of navigation instructions but are not present in the second set of navigation instructions. At 9740, one or more notifications can be generated, such as based on the one or more disparities (such as those determined at 9730). In certain implementations, the referenced notifications can include a notification not to perform one or more instructions from the first set of navigation instructions that are associated with the one or more locations and that are not present in the second set of navigation instructions and/or a notification to perform one or more instructions from the second set of navigation instructions that are associated with the one or more locations and that are not present in the first set of navigation instructions. At 9750, the referenced notifications (such as those generated at 9740) can be provided, such as in relation to the one or more locations.

FIG. 98 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both.

At 9810 a navigation instruction can be received, such as in relation to a location.

At 9820 the navigation instruction can be processed, such as with respect to one or more prior navigation operations performed (and/or with respect to previously used routes, e.g., routes that are regularly/frequently used, such as by the same user, that include the same or similar location) with respect to the location. It should be understood that ‘navigation operations’ can refer to a driving/transportation operations or maneuvers, such as may be performed by the user (and which may not necessarily correspond to a navigation instruction that is explicitly provided by a navigation application). It should also be understood that the referenced ‘prior navigation operations’ can refer to navigation operations that were performed (e.g., by the same user) during a previous trip/navigation instance and/or during the same trip/navigation instance. In certain implementations the referenced prior navigation operations can include navigation operations that are associated with a user with respect to which the notification is provided (as described herein). Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced prior navigation operations can include navigation operations that are associated with a first user/group of users, while the notification(s) referenced herein are provided with respect to another user or users. Additionally, in certain implementations the navigation instruction can include a navigation instruction that is provided with respect to travel in a first direction and the referenced prior navigation operations can include navigation operations performed with respect to travel in the first (that is, the same) direction, such as is described herein.

At 9830 the prior navigation operation(s) performed with respect to the location can be processed. In doing so, a relative predominance of a particular navigation operation can be determined, such as with respect to the referenced location (e.g., the location in relation to which the navigation instruction is received at 9810). Moreover, in certain implementations the navigation instruction can be processed with respect to the particular navigation operation. Additionally, in certain implementations the navigation operations performed with respect to travel in a first direction can be processed. In doing so a relative predominance of a particular navigation operation with respect to travel in the first direction can be determined, such as with respect to the referenced location.

At 9840 a notification can be generated. In certain implementations such a notification can be generated based on a determination that the navigation instruction (such as that received at 9810) deviates from the one or more prior navigation operations (or previously/frequently traveled/used routes). Such a notification can include a notification not to perform (e.g., with respect to the referenced location) an operation in accordance with the one or more prior navigation operations (for example, “at the upcoming intersection, don't continue straight like you normally do”), and/or a notification to perform the navigation instruction with respect to the location (e.g., “at the upcoming intersection, turn right”).

At 9850 the notification can be provided. In certain implementations, such a notification can be provided in relation to the location. Moreover, in certain implementations the notification can be provided in relation to the location (e.g., at a defined distance/time interval prior to reaching the location) based on the relative predominance (such as that determined at 9830). Additionally, in certain implementations the notification can be provided via one or more interfaces (e.g., interfaces of the device and/or interfaces external to the device). Examples of such interfaces include but are not limited to a display interface, an audio interface, an illumination interface, or a haptic interface. Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced notification can be provided in a manner that is relatively more prominent than the notification(s) provided with respect to the prior navigation operations (that is, relatively more prominent than notifications provided previously/earlier within the same trip) (e.g., in order to draw greater attention to the notification). For example, the notification can be provided in a manner that is, for example, relatively louder, relatively faster, relatively brighter, relatively stronger, relatively slower, relatively more redundant (e.g., by repeating an instruction multiple times), relatively longer, relatively more dynamic (e.g., moving more/faster on display), relatively bolder, relatively larger (e.g., in font), relatively more red or yellow in hue, etc., than the notifications provided with respect to the prior navigation operations (that is, relatively louder, etc., than notifications provided previously/earlier within the same trip). In certain implementations, the referenced notification(s) can be provided in a different voice, tone of voice, etc. (e.g., in a ‘male’ voice, in contrast to the manner in which other notifications are provided, e.g., in a ‘female’ voice) than the notifications provided with respect to the prior navigation operations. In certain implementations, the referenced notification(s) can be provided in conjunction with non-verbal sounds/tones (e.g., such instructions can be preceded by a ‘beep’). Additionally, in certain implementations a degree to which the operation is relatively unlikely to be complied with can be determined (such as in a manner described herein) and, based on the degree to which the navigation instruction is relatively unlikely to be complied with, at least one of the one or more interfaces at which to provide the one or more notifications can be selected (for example, one interface—e.g., an audio interface—can be selected if the operation is highly unlikely to be complied with, while another interface—e.g., a visual interface—can be selected if the operation is relatively less unlikely to be complied with). Moreover, in certain implementations a degree to which the operation is relatively unlikely to be complied with can be determined and, based on the degree to which the navigation instruction is relatively unlikely to be complied with, the notification can be provided in a manner that is relatively more prominent than one or more other notifications provided with respect to the one or more prior navigation operations (for example, with respect to an operation that is highly unlikely to be complied with, the navigation instruction can be provided in a highly prominent manner—e.g., considerably louder than other instructions during the trip—while with respect to an operation that is relatively less unlikely to be complied with, the navigation instruction can be provided in a relatively less prominent manner—e.g., only somewhat louder than other instructions during the trip).

At 9860, the providing of a notification that corresponds to the one or more prior navigation operations (such as those referenced at 9820) can be precluded, suppressed, or otherwise modified/restricted, such as in a manner described herein.

It should be noted that the navigation techniques described herein can be applied/configured with respect to any/all forms of navigations (e.g., all forms of motor vehicles, non-motorized vehicles, pedestrian activities and whether outside, inside, on Earth, in space, in any medium (e.g., air, water, other), whether initiated by the user, a 3rd party or autonomously, etc.).

In certain implementations, when a user travels along a route (e.g., at least one point on which) she often/regularly travels or is at a location (e.g., at an intersection) she is often/regularly at, but in her current trip she wishes to reach a destination to which she doesn't travel to most often/as regularly/regularly, a navigation application can be configured to generate/provide a ‘special’ instruction (e.g., a negative instruction (explicit or implicit), an instruction with special audio, visual and/or haptic emphasis), before or at (or even after) the location at which the route (e.g., best route, the route she has elected to follow) to her current destination can be determined to deviate from the route (or from one or more routes) that the user travels more often/more regularly/regularly (to other destinations).

For example, as shown in FIG. 80, a user regularly travels from home to work each morning (′A′ to ‘C’). On a particular day, the user is asked to drop a child off at school (′A′ to B′). The route to school has some initial overlap with the route to work (in this case the overlap was initial, but the overlap may occur at any location/time along a route not necessarily at the beginning of the route and may be arbitrarily short (or long) in distance/time), but at a particular intersection (‘D’), the route to school requires continuing straight, whereas the route to work requires turning right. Accordingly, a ‘special’ instruction can be generated/provided by the navigation application, alerting the user to the fact that she needs to take an action that is different from what she is used to. For example, the navigation application can provide an audio, visual and/or haptic instruction that indicates “In 300 meters, at the intersection, do not make a right hand turn but continue straight instead” (an explicit instruction) or “In 300 meters, at the intersection, continue straight” (an implicit instruction). This can be done in a manner that emphasizes (i.e., calls the user's attention to) the instruction in a manner consistent with the one or more interfaces through which instructions are delivered and with the design of the particular navigation application (not all applications have the same “language” with their users), e.g., a louder or longer instruction if via audio interface, a larger or brighter or moving instructions if via visual interface, a stronger vibration, etc.

By way of further example, as shown in FIG. 83, a user regularly travels along route ‘A-C-D-B,’ such as from home to work. However, on account of traffic between points ‘C’ and ‘D,’ currently the best (e.g., most time efficient) route is ‘A-C-E-D-B.’ Accordingly in such a scenario, a ‘special’ instruction can be generated/provided by the navigation application, alerting the user to the fact that she needs to take an action that is different from what she is used to. For example, the navigation application can provide an audio, visual and/or haptic instruction that indicates “In 300 meters, at the intersection, do not continue straight (as you normally do) but make a left hand turn but instead,” such as in the manner described herein.

By way of yet further example, as shown in FIG. 84, a user regularly travels along route ‘A-C-E-B,’ such as from home to work. However, on account of traffic between points 1′ and ‘B,’ currently the best (e.g., most time efficient) route is ‘A-C-D-B.’ Accordingly in such a scenario, a ‘special’ instruction can be generated/provided by the navigation application, alerting the user to the fact that she needs to take an action that is different from what she is used to. For example, when approaching ‘C’ (e.g., the point at which the current best route—‘A-C-D-B’—diverges from the regular route—‘A-C-E-B’) the navigation application can provide an audio, visual and/or haptic instruction that indicates “In 300 meters, at the intersection, do not (as you normally do) make a left hand turn but continue straight instead” (an explicit negative instruction) or “continue straight” (an implicit negative instruction), such as in the manner described herein. It should be noted that other navigation applications, which do not account for the manner in which previous routes/trips may affect how a user may relate to a current set of instructions being provided. As such, in the illustrated scenarios, while other navigation applications may provide no instruction(s) when the user is determined to be approaching the point at which the current route diverges from a regular or common route associated with the user (and particularly in the scenario illustrated in FIG. 84 in which the user is supposed to simply continue in the same direction they were already traveling—a scenario in which existing navigation applications are unlikely to provide any instructions), as described herein, a ‘special’ instruction can be generated and provided, instructing the user not to make a turn they often make and/or to perform (or continue performing) an operation they are already performing.

FIG. 85 depicts an exemplary set of navigation instructions 8510 which include a ‘negative instruction’ 8520 that instructs the user not to take perform a particular operation (′don't take the bridge!′). As noted, such a ‘special’ instruction can be generated based on various previous trips/navigation scenarios with respect to which a user may have demonstrated a likelihood to perform such an operation (e.g., the user may often take the referenced bridge). Such an instruction can then be provided in relation to (e.g., shortly before) the location associated with such an instruction, thereby alerting the user to the fact that they should not follow their regular/commonly taken route. It should be noted that while FIG. 85 depicts a visual instruction (that may be displayed on a device, for example), the referenced instruction can be provided via any number of interfaces (e.g., audio, haptic, etc.), as described herein.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 81, over the past month, a user arrived at the intersection that her current route is now approaching 100 times, of which she turned to the north 80 times and she turned to the south 20 times. If her current route requires that she go in any direction other than north at this intersection, a ‘special’ instruction accounting for the user's prior history can be generated/provided. In another implementation, such techniques can further account for direction of travel on the user's previous trips is taken into account in determining whether a special instruction should be issued (while there is, a priori, no limit to how many or how frequently a navigation application can issue special instructions to a user, it may be advantageous to limit the number of special instructions to situations in which they have a higher likelihood of preventing user error, or else they may become ineffective). For example, as shown in FIG. 82, if the user arrived at the intersection from the east only 20 of the 100 times, but in each such case the user turned south, and in the current route the user is arriving at the intersection from the east but is supposed to turn north the navigation application can minimize the chance of user error by issuing a special instruction, even though “north” was the most popular direction for the user to go at this intersection when analyzed blind to “direction of approach”.

In one implementation, which can be particularly useful to navigation applications where the device user's travelling patterns are determined/learned, one or more notifications/alerts can be provided in advance, such as to the fact that an upcoming trip is likely to take more/less time than usual (e.g. a commute), so that the user can adjust his/her departure time accordingly. Such notification(s) can be generated/determined and/or provided, for example, based on an estimate of the trip travel time that is likely to prevail for a trip that is slated to start at or around the hour that the device user is likely to (or has advised that he/she will) begin his/her trip. Such estimated trip travel time can be determined/derived based on one or more of (a) a comparison of current traffic (e.g., determined today) at one or more points in time along the referenced possible routes for the referenced trip with historical traffic data collected/determined with respect to such times along such routes, (b) acquiring/obtaining data (time, location) pertaining to specific events set (or likely) to occur on that day (e.g., a sporting event, holiday, weather conditions such as rain/snow, etc.) and which may cause changes in traffic patterns along said routes, and/or (c) determining/acquiring data pertaining to vehicular or infrastructure problems/incidents (e.g., crashes, road work, holes in the road, etc.) that may influence/affect traffic patterns along the referenced route(s). It should be noted that the time that the device user is likely to begin such a trip can be determined/derived from one or more factors such as the regular/usual time the user begins such commute, the device's alarm clock settings, entries in the device's/user's calendar and/or user input indicating a desired departure time or destination arrival time.

FIG. 66 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both.

At 6610, one or more operations (e.g., from a set of navigational operations, such as a set of instructions generated and/or provided by a navigation instruction application) associated with a relatively lower likelihood of compliance can be identified. In certain implementations, such a relatively lower likelihood of compliance (e.g., with respect to the referenced operation) can be determined based on one or more geographic locations (e.g., a location at which the device or vehicle is traveling or present in—for example, in the left-most lane of a highway when the user is being directed to exit very shortly via the right-most lane of the highway), a speed (e.g., a speed at which the operation is relatively less likely to be complied with—for example, if the vehicle is traveling at 50 miles per hour and is expected to stop shortly), and/or a device state of the device (e.g., a state or setting of the device with respect to which it is relatively less likely that an operation is to be complied with, for example, a volume state of the device and/or an application executing thereon—e.g., if the device or navigation application is on a low volume or mute setting, it is relatively less likely that the user is aware of upcoming instructions, a display state of the device and/or an application executing thereon the device—e.g., if the display of the device is on a low brightness or ‘off’ setting, it is relatively less likely that the user is aware of upcoming instructions). Additionally, in certain implementations the referenced operation(s) (e.g., a geographic location associated with the operation, such as the location at which a turn is to be made) can be compared with a geographic location associated with a device to determine that the operation is relatively less likely to be complied with (e.g., by determining that the device is considerably distant from the location of the operation, such that it is unlikely that the operation will be performed) (it should be understood that the device state of the device can also be accounted for in this scenario in determining that the operation is less likely to be complied with, such as in a manner described herein). Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced operation can be determined to be relatively less likely to be complied with based on one or more environmental conditions, such as those that are perceptible to one or more devices (e.g., the level of audible noise in the environment surrounding the device, as can be perceived by the microphone of the device, traffic conditions, weather conditions, etc.). In certain implementations, a determination can be made, based on a device state of one or more first devices, that the referenced operation is relatively less likely to be complied with. Additionally, in certain implementations a degree to which the operation is relatively unlikely to be complied with can be determined. Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced operation (which is relatively less likely to be complied with) can include a turn, a stop, a start, a direction change (e.g., forward vs. reverse), a continuation of a previous/current operation (e.g., to continue straight), a lane change, a previously performed operation, or an exit, and/or any other such navigation or driving-related operation/instruction.

At 6620, one or more notifications can be generated and/or provided. In certain implementations, such notifications can correspond to an operation (such as the operation identified at 6610 as being relatively less likely to be complied with). Moreover, in certain implementations such notifications can be provided based on/in relation to a device state of a device (e.g., an audio or display setting, etc.). Additionally, in certain implementations the referenced notifications can include one or more instructions that are directed or otherwise configured to increase the likelihood of compliance with the identified operation (e.g., in a scenario in which it is unlikely that a user traveling in the left-most lane of a highway will comply with an instruction to exit via the right lane, a notification to the effect of “you must exit right shortly, move over now!” can be generated and/or provided). Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced notifications can be generated and/or provided based on the degree to which the operation is relatively unlikely to be complied with (such as is determined at 6610). Additionally, in certain implementations one or more interfaces at which to provide the referenced notifications can be selected, such as based on the degree to which the operation is relatively unlikely to be complied with. Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced notifications can be modified, such as based on/in relation to the degree to which the operation is relatively unlikely to be complied with (e.g., by adjusting (a) the volume state of the device, (b) a volume state of an application executing on the device, (c) a display state of the device, (d) a display state of an application executing on the device, (e) a haptic state of the device, and/or (f) a haptic state of an application executing on the device). Additionally, in certain implementations the referenced notifications can be provided to a device associated with a second vehicle. Such notifications can reflect, for example, that a first vehicle is relatively less likely to comply with a particular operation. Additionally, in certain implementations one or more vehicle functionalities can be initiated, such as based on a degree to which the operation is relatively unlikely to be complied with (e.g., activating a left-turn lane-change mechanism in the vehicle based on a determination that the driver is unlikely to comply with a left-turn operation). In certain implementations, the referenced notifications (e.g., notifications corresponding to the referenced operation) can be provided in relation to one or more second devices. In certain implementations, such second devices can be/include one or more of the first devices referenced at 6610, while in other implementations the referenced first devices can be/include one or more of the second devices. It should also be understood that, in certain implementations, the device state referenced herein can include a volume state of the referenced second device(s), a volume state of an application executing on the second device(s), a display state of the second device(s), a display state of an application executing on the second device(s), a haptic state of at least one of the second device(s), and/or a haptic state of an application executing on at least one of the one or more second devices. As noted, in certain implementations the one or more first devices can include at least one of the one or more second devices and/or the one or more second devices can include at least one of the one or more first devices. Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced notifications can include but are not limited to audio notification(s), visual notification(s), haptic notification(s), etc.

At 6630, the providing of a notification that does not correspond to the operation (such as the operation identified at 6610) can be precluded, suppressed, or otherwise modified/restricted, such as in a manner described herein.

By way of further illustration, in certain implementations, when the probability that a user is unlikely to comply with one or more operations and/or is going to make some other form of mistake (e.g., deviate from a particular route such as the optimal route or the selected route) exceeds one or more threshold values, a navigation application can be configured to generate and/or provide an instruction/notification (e.g., audio, visual, haptic, etc.) that can be provided to the user in one or more ways. In certain implementations, such an instruction/notification can be provided via an interface (e.g., sound, visual, haptic), such as an interface that is integrated into the vehicle (e.g., infotainment system, steering wheel, seat, floor, windshield, rear view mirror, etc.) and/or on a mobile device present in the vehicle. Moreover, in certain implementations such an instruction/notification can be modulated in strength (e.g., with respect to volume, size, length, amplitude, frequency, etc.), such as based upon the severity and/or the probability of the pending lack of compliance/mistake. For example, if an upcoming operation/instruction dictates/recommends to make a left-hand turn at a traffic light or intersection and the user/vehicle can be determined to be fast approaching the light/intersection in the far right lane on a six-lane road, it can be determined that the user is relatively/highly likely to deviate from the recommended operation/instruction. Accordingly, the navigation application can generate one or more alerts and/or provide such alerts to which can notify the driver to this upcoming error (e.g., by emitting an audible phrase, e.g., “You are supposed to turn left”, “Warning: You're in the right lane, but are supposed to turn left in 20 meters,” etc.).

In certain implementations, various factors and/or states (such as those related to the navigation application and/or various other devices, elements, etc.) can be used to determine the probability of the that a user (e.g., a driver) is unlikely to comply with one or more operations and/or is going to make some other form of mistake. Examples of such factors, states, etc., include but are not limited to: whether the screen of the device on which the navigation application is to be visually displayed in an ‘on’ state or otherwise visible, and, even if the display is ‘on,’ whether the navigation application is in the foreground of the device/operating system (such that it is readily visible) or in the background (such that it is not readily visible), environment/conditions in which the vehicle is traveling (e.g., the lane location as perceived/determined by one or more in-vehicle cameras or extra-vehicle cameras, e.g., transmitting information using vehicle to infrastructure (V2I) protocols), the speed of the vehicle as determined/perceived by a GPS or speedometer (whether in-vehicle or extra-vehicle), traffic conditions as perceived/determined by one or more cameras or through 3rd party information, the noise level in or around the vehicle (which may affect the user's ability to hear instructions), and/or any activities in which the user is engaged (e.g., a phone call, which may affect the user's cognitive ability to “consume” instructions).

For example, a vehicle that is determined (e.g., through visual capture from one or more cameras), to have a solid line on its left and a dashed line on its right (i.e., likely in the left lane), can be determined to have a relatively higher probability of not complying with an operation/instruction/direction to turn right at an intersection 20 meters ahead than a vehicle that is determined to have a solid line on its right and a dashed line on its left (i.e., likely in the right lane). Accordingly, in scenarios in which an operation/instruction/direction is determined to be relatively likely not to be complied with, the navigation application can be configured to generate and/or provide one or more corrective instructions (such as are described herein).

It should also be noted that, as in the case with respect to ‘negative instructions,’ as described herein (which, for example, instruct a user not to perform a particular operation—such as not to follow a route that the user may otherwise be accustomed to following), the described ‘corrective instructions’ can be explicit (for example, “you are about to turn left or go straight—but you are actually supposed to turn right”) or implicit (e.g., repeating the instruction “turn right in 20 meters” one or more times).

In another example, if a vehicle that is supposed to take an upcoming highway exit cannot be (or is not) determined to demonstrate the appropriate signs of slowing down as it approaches the location at which it is to exit, the navigation application can generate and/or provide an explicit corrective instruction, such as by vibrating the right part of the steering wheel.

In another example, if a vehicle is not supposed to take an upcoming highway exit but can be/is determined to demonstrate signs of slowing down as it approaches the (incorrect) exit, the navigation application can generate and/or provide an explicit corrective instruction, such as by vibrating the left part of the steering wheel.

In another implementation, user interfaces can be chosen and/or modified based upon the effectiveness of the delivery of information to a user via a particular interface (e.g., audio, visual, haptic), whether such interface is integrated into the vehicle (e.g., infotainment system, steering wheel, seat, floor, windshield, rear view mirror) or on a mobile device present in the vehicle, based upon the activities determined to be taking place on the vehicle hardware and/or on the mobile device (e.g., volume setting, visibility (e.g., foreground/background), brightness setting, phone call in progress) or in the user's environment (e.g., loud noise present, bright sunshine present). Based upon the user's activities (e.g., current foreground application on infotainment system or mobile device), the state of one or more interfaces (e.g., infotainment system or mobile speaker volume is low) and/or the environmental conditions (e.g., windows open and lots of noise in car), one or more interface actions can be used to better convey information to the user. For example, a navigation application may choose to deliver its instructions at higher volume based on a determination that there is a radio playing in a vehicle. If that same radio is playing at a volume at which audio instructions may not be effective, the navigation application and/or the infotainment system and/or the mobile device can be configured to provide information visually (e.g., on the windshield) in lieu of or in addition to providing audio instructions. For example, in a scenario in which a navigation application is running in the background on a mobile device (such that audio instructions are provided to the user from time to time, but no visual instructions are readily viewable), upon determining that the user is not likely to effectively receive one or more audio instruction(s) (e.g. “in 500 meters turn left”) (e.g., because the radio is playing at a high volume or the user is engaged in a hand-free phone call) the mobile device can be configured to provide visual instructions in lieu of (or in addition to) the audio instruction, or can deliver the instruction by causing the left side of the driver's seat to vibrate (e.g., through communication with one or more in-vehicle systems). It should be understood that such techniques can be employed with respect to ‘negative instructions’ and/or a ‘corrective instructions,’ such as are described herein.

The fact that a user is less likely to comply with the instructions and/or has received a corrective instruction also reflects that the likelihood that the user is going to engage in one or more dangerous driving behaviors in the near future is increased. Accordingly, such information can useful, such as to provide to vehicles in the vicinity of the user and/or can be shared with them, for example, using V2V or V2I techniques known to those of ordinary skilled in the art.

In another implementation, a navigation application can also be configured to control certain vehicle functionality. For example when the navigation application instructs the driver to make a right-hand turn (and, in certain implementations, only upon the user's confirmation or not declining such instruction), the vehicle's lane change signaling device can be activated to indicate an upcoming right hand turn, such as at a calculated distance before such upcoming turn (e.g., at the best practices distance before the turn, given the current speed and other conditions). Moreover, in certain implementations, such actions can be initiated whether the referenced instruction is a negative instruction or a corrective instruction.

FIG. 67 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both.

At 6710, a first set of navigational operations (e.g., directions, instructions, etc.) can be identified/received, such as between an origin and a destination. In certain implementations, such an origin can be an initial/original location or a current location. Moreover, in certain implementations such a destination can include an ultimate/final or intermediate destination. In certain implementations, the referenced set of operations can include those that have been performed (e.g., with at least a defined frequency) by a user associated with the alternative set of navigational operations (such as those referenced at 6720). Additionally, in certain implementations the referenced set of navigational operations can be those that have been performed (e.g., with at least a defined frequency) by one or more users. Additionally, in certain implementations the first set of navigational operations can include a set of navigational operations previously traveled by a user associated with a device.

At 6720, an alternative set of navigational operations can be determined and/or received. In certain implementations, such an alternative set of navigational operations (e.g., between the origin and the destination) that is likely to be more efficient (for example, more time efficient, more distance efficient, more energy efficient, more safe, more efficient with respect to one or more usage fees, more attractive, be associated with more points of interest, and/or more familiar) (e.g., at a certain point in time) than the first set of navigational operations (such as those identified/received at 6710) can be determined. Moreover, in certain implementations the alternative set of navigational operations can be determined based on one or more additional/other criteria (e.g., in addition to/instead of efficiency). For example, such alternative set of navigational operations can be determined based on safety (e.g., the usual route is icy/wet/unsafe), legality (e.g., a certain road is presently closed or has a temporarily lower speed limit, a certain turn cannot be made at certain hours/the present time, etc.).

At 6730, the alternative set of navigational operations (such as are determined at 6720) can be compared with the first set of navigational operations (such as those identified/received at 6710). In doing so, one or more operations included in the alternative set of navigational operations that deviate from the first set of navigational operations can be identified.

At 6740, one or more of the one or more operations included in the alternative set of navigational operations that deviate from the first set of navigational operations (such as are identified at 6730) can be provided (e.g., via one or more interfaces). In certain implementations, information pertaining to and/or otherwise reflecting a determination that the alternative set of navigational operations is likely to be more efficient than the first set of navigational operations can be provided. Additionally, in certain implementations the referenced operations can be provided via one or more interfaces (e.g., interfaces of the device and/or interfaces external to the device). Examples of such interfaces include but are not limited to a display interface, an audio interface, an illumination interface, or a haptic interface. Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced operations can be provided in a manner that is relatively more prominent than the notification(s) provided with respect to other navigation operations (that is, relatively more prominent than notifications provided previously/earlier within the same trip) (e.g., in order to draw greater attention to the notification). For example, the operations can be provided in a manner that is, for example, relatively louder, relatively faster, relatively brighter, relatively stronger, relatively slower, relatively more redundant (e.g., by repeating an instruction multiple times), relatively longer, relatively more dynamic (e.g., moving more/faster on display), relatively bolder, relatively larger (e.g., in font), relatively more red or yellow in hue, etc., than the notifications provided with respect to the prior navigation operations (that is, relatively louder, etc., than notifications provided previously/earlier within the same trip). In certain implementations, the referenced operations can be provided in a different voice, tone of voice, etc. (e.g., in a ‘male’ voice, in contrast to the manner in which other notifications are provided, e.g., in a ‘female’ voice) than the notifications provided with respect to the prior navigation operations. Additionally, in certain implementations a degree to which the operation is relatively unlikely to be complied with can be determined (such as in a manner described herein) and, based on the degree to which the operations is relatively unlikely to be complied with, at least one of the one or more interfaces at which to provide the one or more operations can be selected (for example, one interface—e.g., an audio interface—can be selected if the operation is highly unlikely to be complied with, while another interface—e.g., a visual interface—can be selected if the operation is relatively less unlikely to be complied with). Moreover, in certain implementations a degree to which the operation is relatively unlikely to be complied with can be determined and, based on the degree to which the navigation instruction is relatively unlikely to be complied with, the operations can be provided in a manner that is relatively more prominent than one or more other notifications provided with respect to the one or more prior navigation operations (for example, with respect to an operation that is highly unlikely to be complied with, the navigation instruction can be provided in a highly prominent manner—e.g., considerably louder than other instructions during the trip—while with respect to an operation that is relatively less unlikely to be complied with, the navigation instruction can be provided in a relatively less prominent manner—e.g., only somewhat louder than other instructions during the trip).

Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced operations can be generated and/or provided based on the degree to which the operation is relatively unlikely to be complied with (such as is determined in a manner described herein). Additionally, in certain implementations one or more interfaces at which to provide the referenced operations can be selected, such as based on the degree to which the operation is relatively unlikely to be complied with. Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced operations can be modified, such as based on/in relation to the degree to which the operation is relatively unlikely to be complied with (e.g., by adjusting (a) the volume state of the device, (b) a volume state of an application executing on the device, (c) a display state of the device, (d) a display state of an application executing on the device, (e) a haptic state of the device, and/or (f) a haptic state of an application executing on the device). Additionally, in certain implementations the referenced notifications can be provided to a device associated with a second vehicle. Such operations can reflect, for example, that a first vehicle is relatively less likely to comply with a particular operation. Additionally, in certain implementations one or more vehicle functionalities can be initiated, such as based on a degree to which the operation is relatively unlikely to be complied with (e.g., activating a left-turn lane-change mechanism in the vehicle based on a determination that the driver is unlikely to comply with a left-turn operation). In certain implementations, the referenced operations can be provided in relation to one or more second devices. In certain implementations, such second devices can be/include one or more of the first devices, while in other implementations the referenced first devices can be/include one or more of the second devices. It should also be understood that, in certain implementations, the device state referenced herein can include a volume state of the referenced second device(s), a volume state of an application executing on the second device(s), a display state of the second device(s), a display state of an application executing on the second device(s), a haptic state of at least one of the second device(s), and/or a haptic state of an application executing on at least one of the one or more second devices. As noted, in certain implementations the one or more first devices can include at least one of the one or more second devices and/or the one or more second devices can include at least one of the one or more first devices.

Additionally, in certain implementations information pertaining to a determination that the alternative set of navigational operations is likely to be less habitual to a user than the first set of navigational operations can be provided. Additionally, in certain implementations, information pertaining to a determination that, based on (a) the first set of navigational operations and/or (b) the alternative set of navigational operations, that the alternative set of navigational operations is relatively unlikely to be complied with, can be provided.

Moreover, in certain implementations operations/instructions included in the alternative set of navigational operations that do not deviate from the first set of navigational operations can be prevented from being provided or not provided (e.g., via one or more interfaces).

Additionally, in certain implementations one or more corrective operations can be provided. In certain implementations, such corrective operations can be provided based on/in response to a determination that the one or more operations included in the alternative set of navigational operations are not likely being complied with. Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced one or more operations can be provided or emphasized based on a device state of a device (e.g., in a scenario in which the audio and/or display of the device is off, such as is described herein.

Moreover, in certain implementations, instead of providing one or more operations, the referenced one or more of the one or more operations included in the either set of operations may not be provided, such as when the alternative set of navigational operations do not deviate from the first set of navigational operations. Additionally, in certain implementations, the one or more operations included in the either set or both sets of operations may not be provided when the alternative set of navigational operations do not deviate from the first set of navigational operations.

Additionally, in certain implementations one or more navigation instructions can be generated, such as based on the one or more of the one or more operations included in the alternative set of navigational operations that deviate from the first set of navigational operations and a corresponding one or more operations from at the first set of navigational operations from which the one or more of the one or more operations included in the alternative set of navigational operations deviate. Such one or more navigation instructions can be provided in relation to one or more locations, such as locations associated with the one or more of the one or more operations included in the alternative set of navigational operations that deviate from the first set of navigational operations.

Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced one or more navigation instructions can include a positive/affirmative instruction (e.g., an instruction that instructs a user to perform the one or more of the one or more operations included in the alternative set of navigational operations that deviate from the first set of navigational operations) and a negative instruction (such as an instruction that instructs a user not to perform the one or more operations from at the first set of navigational operations from which the one or more of the one or more operations included in the alternative set of navigational operations deviate).

Additionally, in certain implementations, one or more of the one or more operations included in the alternative set of navigational operations that deviate from the first set of navigational operations can be provided in relation to the device (e.g., the device with respect to which the previously traveled navigational operations are identified/received).

At 6750, a providing of the first set of navigational operations can be precluded or otherwise suppressed (e.g., prevented from being provided/presented), such as based on a determination that the alternative set of navigational operations is likely to be more efficient than the first set of navigational operations or based on the fact that the user is already familiar with them and presenting them may be perceived as unnecessary/annoying.

By way of further illustration, in certain implementations, a navigation application can generate and/or provide a more general negative instruction reflecting that the route that a user travels regularly (or the usually optimal route) is not the best route to take during the current trip (or a trip that is scheduled to happen). Such important information can be conveyed explicitly to the user through one of the interfaces of the device and/or conveyed implicitly to the user (e.g., by showing a list of current/expected travel times via different routes, in which the usual route is emphasized as being sub-optimal and/or used as a basis for comparison).

Mobile and fixed in-vehicle navigation applications that provide navigation instructions that are obvious to a user are often considered annoying. Such instructions interfere with in-vehicle or extra-vehicle conversations, with driver thoughts and create distraction. When a driver is on a route that is known to him (e.g., home to work, work to home), it can be advantageous to allow the driver to choose to be alerted to only those instructions (and/or only via certain interfaces (e.g., audio, visual, haptic)), if any, which suggest to the driver to deviate from the normally optimal route or the route that the driver normally takes. Such instructions to deviate from a normally optimal route can begin with a “negative” instruction (explicit or implicit) and be followed by additional “positive” or “affirmative” instructions.

For example, on the way to work a user may have 12 turns to make before he reaches a critical 13th turn where it is usually better to turn left and get on highway I-80, but sometimes better to turn right and proceed on highway I-82. Using existing navigation applications, the user might (a) turn on the application at or before the trip start and hear the first 12 turn instructions, unnecessarily; or (b) try to remember to turn on the application closer to the critical 13th turn, hoping not to forget and hoping not to lose focus on the driving task while doing so. The techniques described herein can enable the driver to turn on a navigation application before starting the vehicle (or any time after), not have to hear the first 12 instructions and receive the critical information related to the 13th turn.

In certain implementations, certain instructions (e.g., “obvious” instructions) can be suppressed in scenarios in which certain conditions are determined to be met. For example, if a user was engaged in a conversation (e.g., telephone call, with another occupant) at (or around) the time that a navigation instruction is to be provided (e.g., by a navigation application) and that instruction can be determined not to be important (or not important above a certain threshold, such as in a scenario where such an instruction is routine for the user and it is highly likely that the user will comply with the instruction even if it is not provided), such an instruction can be partially (e.g., its interference can be reduced on one interface, for example an audio instruction can be shortened or made quieter and/or suppressed on only some interfaces, for example, the audio part of the instruction can be suppressed while the visual part of the instruction is not) or fully suppressed (i.e., on all interfaces, e.g., audio, visual, etc.) or altered (e.g., transitioned from an audio interface to a visual interface, so that it the instruction interferes less with the ongoing conversation).

In certain implementations, opportunities (e.g. for the presentation of advertisements, discount coupons, etc.) and/or advertisements can be generated and/or presented at a device based on a determination of the occurrence of one or more events (e.g., trip start, trip end, speed, trip length, etc.). In contrast to traditional location based advertising, such a technique can use information related to a user's trip to determine when (or what) to provide advertising and/or commercial offers. Determinations as to which of several opportunities to present the user can be made based on/in relation to the determined location, mode of transportation, time of day, day of week, frequency of user visitation to location and/or user preferences. For example, when a trip end is detected at 8:00 AM, a user can be presented with a discount coupon for breakfast. In another example, three hours into the user's bicycle ride, s/he can be offered coupon of a local convenience store to purchase a snack (e.g., a ‘PowerBar’).

Moreover, in certain implementations directions/instructions provided by SatNav applications to users (e.g., “turn right at the next intersection,” etc.) that are actually confusing/ineffective/suboptimal can be determined/discovered. For example, such directions/instructions (e.g., the audio and/or visual prompts that are provided to users while traveling) can be associated with corresponding user actions, such as those that are performed concurrent with/subsequent to the providing of such instructions. Upon determining that concurrent with and/or subsequent to the proving of a particular directions/instruction (or set of directions/instructions) by a SatNav application, one or more users (e.g., relatively more users than is typical/average) can be determined to navigate in a manner that deviates from the instructions provided by the application (as can be determined, for example, as an instance of ‘rerouting’ by the application, for example based on the user making a ‘wrong turn’), it can be further determined that such a direction/instruction is relatively likely to be confusing/unclear to users, and such a direction/instruction can be flagged for improvement and/or provided to the appropriate road authorities in charge, for example, to evaluate/change the signage, evaluate/change the infrastructure, etc. Moreover, in certain implementations having identified such locations, instructions, operations, etc., as being relatively confusing, unclear, etc., a ‘special instruction’ can be generated and provided, such as in a manner described herein, such as with respect to FIGS. 80-85 and 98. For example, a notification such as “Be careful! You are approaching a tricky location at which many people make errors. In 400 m you must turn left—be careful not to take the tunnel” can be generated and provided. Additionally, in certain implementations such an instruction/notification can be provided via one or more interfaces, at a different intensity, etc., such as in the manner described herein.

FIG. 60 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both.

At 6010, one or more first time intervals can be received. In certain implementations, such time intervals can correspond to an amount of time (e.g., in hours, minutes, second, etc.) that a trip (e.g., between an origin and a destination) was/is determined to actually have taken (e.g., an actual trip time/duration). Moreover, in certain implementations, each of the referenced time intervals can correspond to one or more respective first navigation instances between an origin and a destination that are associated with a first navigation instruction provider. Such a navigation instruction provider can be, for example, a navigation application that is directed to assisting user in navigating (e.g., driving) from an origin to a destination by generating and providing a series of navigation instructions (e.g., driving directions). Moreover, in certain implementations one or more first trip efficiency metrics can be received. Examples of such trip efficiency metrics include but are not limited to a distance (e.g., miles/kilometers traveled), a fuel efficiency metric (e.g., amount of gas or electricity expended), a time interval (e.g., a number of minutes/hours), and/or any other such metric or quantity that can reflect or quantify one or more aspects associated with a trip.

At 6020, one or more second time intervals can be received. In certain implementations, each of the referenced second time intervals can correspond to one or more respective second navigation instances between the origin and the destination (e.g., substantially the same origin/destination that are associated with the first navigation instances referenced at 6010). Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced first time intervals and the second time intervals may correspond to one or more substantially similar trip characteristics (e.g., the same/substantially similar day, date, time of day, traffic condition, etc.). Doing so can ensure that the comparison between first time interval(s) and the second time interval(s) accurately reflect differences in efficiency (as opposed to, say, different traffic patterns at different times of the day). Moreover, in certain implementations, the referenced one or more respective second navigation instances can include one or more respective second navigation instances between the origin and the destination (e.g., substantially the same origin/destination that are associated with the first navigation instances referenced at 6010) that are associated with a second navigation instruction provider (e.g., a navigation application/provider other than the application/provider associated with the one or more first time intervals, or, alternatively, the same navigation application/provider configured with different settings—e.g., a setting to avoid/use toll roads, highways, to compute instructions based on fuel efficiency as opposed to time efficiency, etc.). Additionally, in certain implementations the referenced second navigation instance may not be associated with a navigation instruction provider (e.g., in a scenario in which a user is simply driving without the user of a navigation instruction provider). Moreover, in certain implementations one or more second trip efficiency metrics can be received (e.g., with respect to distance, fuel efficiency, etc.).

It should be noted that multiple instances of the referenced first and second time intervals can be received over time, and, in doing so a database can be generated which contains historical information pertaining to time intervals with respect to various origins/destinations, at various times/conditions, with respect to various navigation instruction providers, etc. (e.g., using crowdsourcing techniques as are known to those of ordinary skill in the art). Based on such aggregated information, the various comparisons and determinations described herein can be made, such as with respect to numerous time intervals that have been observed/identified.

At 6030, the one or more first time intervals (such as those received at 6010) can be compared with the one or more second time intervals (such as those received at 6020). In doing so, a relative efficiency of the first navigation provider can be determined, such as in a manner described herein. Moreover, in certain implementations the one or more first time intervals (such as those received at 6010) can be compared with the one or more second time intervals (such as those received at 6020) to determine which of the first navigation instruction provider or the second navigation instruction provider provide navigation instructions that correspond to a relatively lower time interval (and/or is otherwise more efficient, such as based on any number of other factors such as fuel efficiency, distance traveled, etc.). Additionally, in certain implementations the one or more first efficiency metrics (such as those received at 6010) can be compared with the one or more second efficiency metrics (such as those received at 6020) to determine a relative efficiency of the first navigation provider (e.g., with respect to the efficiency metric, e.g., fuel efficiency, distance traveled, etc.).

At 6040, a recommendation can be provided. In certain implementations, such a recommendation can be to select the first navigation instruction provider. Moreover, in certain implementations such a recommendation (e.g., to select the first navigation instruction provider to generate/provide further instructions) can be provided based on a determination that the first navigation instruction provider is relatively efficient (e.g., with respect to distance, fuel efficiency, time, etc.—for example, based on a determination that the first navigation instruction provider provides navigation instructions that correspond to relatively lower time intervals). Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced recommendation (e.g., to select the first navigation instruction provider) can be provided with respect to a geographic location (e.g., in response to a request for navigation instructions that can be determined to originate from and/or correspond to a destination associated with the same or a substantially similar or related geographic location). Additionally, in certain implementations the referenced recommendation to select the first navigation instruction provider can be provided with respect to the origin and/or the destination (e.g., ‘select navigation application X for trips starting in New York City,’ select navigation application Y when traveling to Boston,′ select navigation application Z when traveling from New York City to Boston,′ etc.). Moreover, in yet other implementations one or more actions can be initiated (e.g., based on a determination that the first navigation instruction provider is relatively efficient). For example, a device (e.g., smartphone) can be configured to select from among several available navigation applications based on a determination that a particular application is more efficient than the other(s) (e.g., navigation application X can be automatically selected for trips in New York City while navigation application Y can be automatically selected for trips in Boston). By way of illustration, it can be advantageous to determine and be able to notify users as to various efficiencies (e.g., time savings) with respect to which they are likely to benefit (or have benefited) by using a particular navigation application (e.g., a satellite navigation or ‘SatNav’ application). Doing so can, for example, enable users to make smarter “purchasing” decisions as to which applications and/or premium features to choose, such as by considering the costs of such applications/features against their benefits.

The benefits (e.g. time savings, fuel savings, safety gains) of a navigation application (for a navigation provider and/or to a navigation user) can be quantified or otherwise determined, for example, by (a) one or more navigation providers where each such provider effects its own calculations, e.g., according to particular standards or protocols (with or without independent auditing) so that the results can be compared easily across providers or (b) a central server/system which computes, scores, and/or ranks various statistics related to the benefits provided by various providers, thereby allowing a user to compare more effectively across/between providers.

For example, a technique for calculating the benefits that a navigation application's route choice offers its user relative to another route (e.g., the main line/straightforward route or the usual/common route at that point in time) to the same location can be computed by comparing (i) the time that it takes a user that travels from Origin A to Destination B on the route recommended by a navigation application with (ii) the time that it takes for a different user (who may or may not be using the same navigation application or any navigation application at all), that travels from Origin A to Destination B along a different route, starting at substantially the same time. Such a computation/comparison can be done on a trip-by-trip basis and/or a cumulative basis, e.g., over some period of time (e.g., day, week, month, since installed) and can, in certain implementations, be further controlled for respective driving styles (e.g., certain drivers may naturally driver faster than others) and can also use various statistical noise reduction techniques to meaningfully aggregate information across users, across routes and across time. For example, if a user who, on average, drives at a speed that is 2% slower than the average, drives three trips from Origin A to Destination B, following the recommendation of the navigation application each time (which recommendations happened to include identical navigation instructions each time), which trips take 40 min, 45 min and 50 min each, respectively, whereas 1,000 other drives from Origin A to Destination B that occurred at substantially the same time (e.g., they began their trip at within 10 seconds of the time the user began her trip) along different routes took an average (across devices) of 42 min, 47 min and 52 min each, where the average speed at which the (1,000 or fewer) drivers of these 1,000 drives is 0% slower than the average, and so, the navigation application used by the mobile device provided a benefits of about 3 minutes per trip (˜7% per trip), on average, for that user. This information can also be aggregated across multiple users of the same navigation application, across multiple days to determine/score the benefits of the application, and the same can be done for multiple navigation applications, so that comparison statistics between different navigation applications can be generated/provided (reflecting which one provides instructions that are most time efficient, fuel efficient, etc.).

It should be understood that when analyzing trips that begin at Origin A and end at Destination B, this does not necessarily connote that the trip actually began and ended at these locations (i.e., that the engine was ignited at Origin A and the engine was turned off at Destination B). Rather, travel/a trip between the referenced ‘Origin’ and ‘Destination’ (as they are used/referenced herein) can refer to the device traveling from Origin A to Destination B without user-elected stops (e.g., at a gas station). Accordingly, it can be appreciated that any trip undertaken by the user may consist of any number of (potentially overlapping) segments that can be used for the purposes of calculating the benefits and the navigation application scoring described herein.

FIG. 61 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both.

At 6110, one or more first navigation instructions can be received. In certain implementations, such instructions can be received from a first provider. Moreover, in certain implementations such instructions can pertain to a particular destination.

At 6120, one or more second navigation instructions can be received. In certain implementations, such instructions can be received from a second provider. Moreover, in certain implementations such instructions can pertain to a particular destination (e.g., the same or substantially similar destination to the instructions received at 6110).

At 6130, the first navigation instructions (e.g., those received at 6110) can be compared with the second navigation instructions (e.g., those received at 6120). In doing so, it can be determined which of the first navigation instructions or the second navigation instructions are relatively more efficient (e.g., with respect to time, fuel efficiency, distance, etc.).

At 6140, a recommended set of navigation instructions can be provided. In certain implementations, such a recommended set of navigation instructions can be provided based on the relative efficiency (e.g., as determined at 6130). In certain implementations, the referenced relative efficiency can include or reflect a relatively shorter distance, a relatively shorter timeframe. a relatively lower fuel expenditure, etc.

At 6150, a deviation from the recommended set of navigation instructions can be identified (e.g., at a point along a trip where a user deviates from the recommended set of navigation instructions), and, based on an identification of the deviation from the recommended set of navigation instructions, a relative efficiency of the recommended set of navigation instructions in relation to the deviation can be computed (reflecting, for example, an amount of time, gas, etc., that the user is likely to have saved had they followed the recommended set of navigation instructions and not deviated therefrom).

At 6160, a notification corresponding to the relative efficiency (e.g., of the recommended set of navigation instructions in relation to the deviation therefrom) can be provided (e.g., “following the instructions provided by navigation application X would have saved you 5 minutes over the route that you are taking”).

FIG. 62 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both.

At 6210, an estimated travel duration can be received. In certain implementations, such an estimated travel duration can be received with respect to one or more first navigation instructions (e.g., from an origin and/or to a destination)

At 6220, an actual travel duration can be compared with respect to the one or more first navigation instructions to the destination. In doing so, an accuracy of the estimated travel duration (e.g., the estimated travel duration received at 6210) can be determined.

FIG. 63 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both.

At 6310, a suggestion of one or more first navigation instructions to a destination can be provided. In certain implementations, such a suggestion can be provided based on an estimated travel duration, such as with respect to one or more first navigation instructions to the destination (and/or from an origin to the destination).

At 6320, an actual travel duration can be determined. In certain implementations, such an actual travel duration can be determined with respect to one or more second navigation instructions, such as one or more second navigation instructions to the destination.

At 6330, a relative efficiency of the one or more first navigation instructions can be determined. In certain implementations, such a relative efficiency of the one or more first navigation instructions can be determined by comparing an actual travel duration with respect to the one or more first navigation instructions to the destination with the actual travel duration with respect to one or more second navigation instructions to the destination.

FIG. 64 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both.

At 6410, one or more eligibility characteristics can be determined. In certain implementations, such eligibility characteristics can be determined with respect to a navigational instance (e.g., an incidence of a trip, such as from one geographic location to another). In certain implementations, the referenced eligibility characteristics can include but are not limited to: a quantity of occupants within a vehicle, a time and/or date, a vehicle class, and/or a vehicle weight.

At 6420, one or more navigational instructions can be computed. In certain implementations, such navigational instructions can be computed based on the one or more eligibility characteristics (such as those determined at 6410).

For example, in a scenario in which the referenced eligibility characteristics pertain to a quantity of occupants within a vehicle, the referenced navigational instructions can be computed based on the quantity of occupants within the vehicle. In a scenario in which the referenced eligibility characteristics pertain to at a time and/or date, the referenced navigational instructions can be computed based on the time and/or date. In a scenario in which the referenced eligibility characteristics pertain to a vehicle class and the referenced navigational instructions can be computed based on the vehicle class. In a scenario in which the referenced eligibility characteristics pertain to a vehicle weight, the referenced navigational instructions can be computed based on the vehicle weight.

At 6430, the one or more navigational instructions (e.g., those computed at 6420) can be provided (e.g., within/in conjunction with a navigation application).

At 6440, a change can be identified. In certain implementations, such a change can be identified with respect to the referenced eligibility characteristics (such as those determined at 6410). For example, it can be determined (e.g., based on seat sensors, etc.) that a vehicle that previously had three passengers riding in it now has only one).

At 6450, the one or more navigational instructions can be recomputed. In certain implementations, such instructions can be recomputed based on the changed eligibility characteristics (e.g., as identified at 6440). For example, having determined that fewer passengers are in a vehicle than were previously (and thus the vehicle no longer qualifies to travel in the ‘carpool lane,’ navigation instructions (e.g., to a destination) can be recomputed to account for the fact that the vehicle can no longer travel in the ‘carpool lane.’

In certain implementations, a navigation application (e.g., an application that determines the optimal route to travel between two or more locations) can be configured to account for the eligibility of a particular vehicle (i.e., the vehicle within which the user is traveling) to travel in restricted (e.g., carpool) lanes, restricted roads, etc., and to improve the computation of such optimal routes conditioned on such information. For example, the eligibility of a vehicle to travel in certain lanes or on certain roads may depend on/be a function of the number of occupants within the vehicle (e.g., for carpool lanes, mass transportation lanes, etc.), the time of day and/or day of week (e.g., right turns on red may be allowed or prohibited between certain hours or on certain days), vehicle weight (e.g., roads limited to vehicles weighing fewer than 5 tons), the vehicle class (e.g., trucks must drive in two right lanes only, may not travel on certain streets, highways, bridges, etc.), and, using the various techniques described herein (e.g., to determine the number of passengers within a vehicle, the vehicle class, etc.), a navigation application can account for such determinations and compute/adjust the routing to a particular destination accordingly. Additionally, in certain implementations the eligibility of a particular vehicle may change dynamically over the course of a journey (e.g., occupants may enter or exit the vehicle, cargo can be loaded or unloaded, a time/date range can be entered or exited, etc.), and thus the navigation application can recompute the referenced routing at the occurrence of various events (e.g., stops), at various intervals and/or on an ongoing basis and, in some cases, e.g., when they receive an advance schedule of stops and pick-ups with occupants and/or cargo weight, take such factors into account in advance. In certain implementations one or more of the parameters that are considered in determining such an improved optimal route may be conveyed/provided/input manually (e.g., user input via touch, voice, gesture) and/or electronically (e.g., by communication, directly or indirectly, with a vehicle's systems (e.g., weight sensors, heat sensors, seat belt sensors, etc.)) or remotely (e.g., factory loads weight data provided over the air) or set as defaults.

In another embodiment, a navigation application offers an emergency mode wherein the determination of an optimal route for a vehicle to travel between two or more locations might be made assuming that it is eligible to travel in all lanes (and on all roads) regardless of the restrictions that would ordinarily be applicable to such vehicle in non-emergency circumstances.

Various other types of lane/road restrictions are also possible, such as travel restrictions on certain types of vehicles. For example, certain travel priorities (e.g., specific lanes, roads, traffic rules, etc.) may be provided to: (a) pollution friendly vehicles, e.g., hybrid or electric vehicles (as opposed to pollution unfriendly vehicles); (b) vehicles equipped with one or more safety features (as opposed to vehicles not so equipped); and/or (c) autonomous vehicles (as opposed to non-autonomous vehicles).

In another implementation, the flow of traffic (e.g., forecasted, real-time, historical, and/or static) can also be utilized as an input and/or otherwise factored/accounted for by/in conjunction with a navigation application routing system with respect to differentiating between the flow of traffic in different lanes (or on different roads), based upon the conditions required for a vehicle to be eligible to travel in such lanes (or on such roads). For example, lanes with respect to which only vehicles that meet one or more conditions (e.g., more than 3 occupants) are permitted can be accounted for (e.g., by the navigation application) as different/separate roads and computing a routing to a particular destination can account for the fact that eligible vehicles have the option of traveling in both such restricted lanes (or roads) as well as in unrestricted lanes, while also accounting for the fact that ineligible vehicles (e.g., those having fewer than 3 occupants) may only travel in unrestricted lanes (i.e., they have more limited routing possibilities).

In another implementation, traffic crashes and/or other incidents that are reported on roads (e.g., by crowdsourcing), are expanded to include the side of the road on which (or lane(s) in which) the crash took place (or in which immobile vehicles are blocking traffic). Doing so can assist drivers by alerting them to the lanes they should move into in order to pass the blockage and can also significantly improve routing systems such as those described herein (e.g., if the crash is known to have taken place in an unrestricted lane, vehicles eligible for the carpool lanes are likely to be significantly less-effected by the crash than vehicles that are not eligible for the carpool lanes, or, for example, if the crash took place in the right lane of a 6-lane road, a truck that is only allowed to travel in the two rights lanes is likely to be relatively more delayed by the crash than a passenger vehicle that is eligible to travel in all 6 lanes).

FIG. 65 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both.

At 6510, a degree of danger can be computed. In certain implementations, such a degree of danger can be computed with respect to a navigational instance (e.g., an occurrence of trip, such as between one location and another, which, in certain implementations, may be guided via instructions originating from a navigation instruction application). In certain implementations, the referenced the degree of danger can be computed based on: a speed limit associated with the navigational instance, a road curvature associated with the navigational instance, one or more weather conditions associated with the navigational instance, a time associated with the navigational instance, a date or day of week associated with the navigational instance, a skill level of a driver associated with the navigational instance, a driving history of one or more drivers associated with the navigational instance, one or more driving tendencies of a driver associated with the navigational instance, one or more incidents associated with one or more drivers associated with a location within the navigational instance, one or more incidents associated with a location within the navigational instance, and/or a vehicle type associated with the navigational instance (it can be appreciated that data pertaining to some or all of such factors may, for example, dictate or suggest the degree of danger associated with traveling with respect to a particular route, at a particular time, by a particular driver driving a particular vehicle under specific conditions). Moreover, in certain implementations a determination of an entry of a vehicle into a relatively dangerous location can also be computed.

Additionally, in certain implementations one or more sets of navigation routes can be computed, such as between an origin and a destination. In certain implementations, such sets of navigation routes may be being associated with respective degrees of danger (e.g., route X is twice as dangerous as route Y, such as with respect to a particular driver at a particular time and/or under particular conditions).

At 6520, one or more actions can be initiated. In certain implementations, such actions can be initiated based on a degree of danger (such as is computed at 6510). For example, in certain implementations, one or more notifications can be provided in conjunction with the entry of a vehicle into the relatively dangerous location (e.g., a warning that can be provided to the driver that they are entering a dangerous driving location, which, in certain implementations, may also include information pertaining to the nature/cause of such danger and/or suggestions as to what the driver can do/how the driver can drive to minimize such danger). Additionally, various aspects of the functionality of one or more crash avoidance techniques or technologies (e.g., as may be implemented or integrated within the vehicle, such as automatic braking or steering technologies) may be initiated, modified and/or removed based on the computed degree of danger. It should be understood that, in certain implementations, the operation of such crash avoidance techniques/technologies may be affected by instructions originating from systems/application that pertain to navigation during the navigation instance (e.g., a navigation instruction application).

Moreover, in certain implementations, one or more sets of navigation instructions can be recommended (e.g., by a navigation instruction application) based on their respective degrees of danger (e.g., a navigation instruction provider can indicate or notify a user of the respective degrees of danger associated with each potential route/set of instructions, and/or can suggest a particular route/set of instructions based on its relative or absolute degree of danger). Additionally, in certain implementations one or more third-party incentives can be provided with respect to one or more of the sets of navigation instructions based on their respective degrees of danger (for example, an insurance company can provide the user with an incentive—e.g., ‘save $3 off your insurance premium’—in return for the user selecting a particular route/set of instructions that is determined to be relatively less dangerous than other options).

By way of further illustration, it can be appreciated that different roads can be identified/determined to be associated with different types of and/or different levels of danger. Such danger types and/or levels can be estimated (e.g., based on speed limit, road curvature, surface, presence/absence of guard rails, current, predicted, and/or historical weather conditions, etc.) and/or measured/determined empirically (e.g., based on a number of fatalities, injuries or crashes on a stretch of road) and can further be normalized in various ways (e.g., number of vehicle trips, time of day, day of week, time of year, type of vehicles permitted/traveling, etc.).

Information about the danger level of a road can be utilized, considered, factored in, etc., in various ways. For example, in one implementation, upon determining that a vehicle is entering (or leaving) a dangerous stretch of road, one or more warnings, notifications, etc., (e.g., audio, visual, haptic) can be generated and provided to a driver, such as through one or more interfaces (e.g., a mobile device, an infotainment system, a steering wheel, etc.). In another implementation, the operation/behavior of one or more vehicle/driver safety accessories can be configured to change based on such road danger information. For example, upon identifying/determining that a vehicle is entering a high road danger area, parameters of a crash avoidance system can be changed/modified (e.g., temporarily), such as parameters that define tailgating so as to generate/provide recommendations to the driver to maintain more distance between the vehicle being driven and the vehicle in front of it.

In certain implementations, a navigation application can be configured to compute a route from one location to another in a manner that optimizes/accounts for the safety of the route, with or without other terms/factors (e.g., estimated time to destination, variance of time to destination, cost to destination, etc.). In another implementation, the optimal route(s) can be determined subject to satisfying certain constraints/requirements, one or more of which can pertain to the safety of the route, e.g., compute the fastest route, subject to not traveling on any extremely dangerous roads. In another implementation, a navigation application can be configured to generate/provide/recommend different routes for different drivers based on each driver's respective levels of experience, characteristics, skill, driving tendencies, etc. (as can be determined, computed, observed, etc.) based on one or more factors (e.g., danger, length, time of day, etc.). For example, (i) the routes recommended to a young driver may be different than those recommended to a more experienced driver; (ii) the routes recommended for daytime driving from destination A to destination B may be different than those recommended for night time driving from A to B (even when there are not time related differences).

In another implementation, insurance companies and/or other entities (e.g., regulatory agencies) can incentivize/encourage/require their policyholders to place more weight/emphasis on the safety of their route selections and/or to dis-incentivize those policyholders that do not, such as by reducing (or penalizing) drivers (or vehicles) based on the routes they travelled. For example, instead of a customer paying her insurance company a fixed fee (e.g., annually) or paying based upon how much she drives (e.g., distance, time), she would now pay, in part or in whole, based upon the safety of the routes on which she chooses to drive on. Such incentives could also be computed based on a combination of factors (e.g., safety and age/experience/skill), for example, young driver might pay a disproportionately higher price (or not be insured at all) when traveling, for example, on certain dangerous roads and at certain times.

It should be noted that, in certain implementations, dangerous geographical locations that are not directly related to road safety (e.g., dangerous neighborhoods, war zones, dangerous to people from one socio-economic-political affiliation) may also be accounted for in the described techniques.

While some of the examples and illustrations provided herein may have been described with respect to a mobile device(s), it should be understood that many or all of them may be equally applicable to non-mobile, in-vehicle interfaces (e.g., infotainment systems, navigation systems, etc.) and vehicle-to-vehicle systems (“V2V”) and vehicle-to-infrastructure systems (“V2I”) as well.

In certain implementations, various aspects of a vehicle's behavior in turns and around corners can be determined (e.g., scored, measured) using a mobile device (or a non-nomadic device) and information regarding that behavior can be delivered/used by various parties (e.g., as feedback to the driver, to the driver's employer or parents, to an insurance company). In one implementation, the acceleration (e.g., as perceived by the device's accelerometer) can be correlated to the turn (e.g., as perceived using the GPS radio on the device in conjunction with a map). The acceleration perceived by the device will tend to change in a turn both on one or more axes (depending on the orientation of the device with respect to the vehicle) and/or overall (e.g., the root mean square or the root mean delta square of the 3-axis accelerometer values). The GPS lag, i.e., the time it takes for a change in speed in a vehicle to be perceived and reported by the GPS radio on a device in the vehicle can also be used to better correlate between acceleration (or changes in acceleration) and the road topography.

FIG. 37 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both. At 3705 a plurality of indications can be received. In certain implementations, each of the one or more indications can correspond to at least one of: (a) a determination of a start of a trip or (b) a determination of an end of a trip. At 3710, a request for a vacant parking location can be received. At 3715, the plurality of indications can be processed, such as in order to identify one or more vacant parking locations. At 3720, a notification corresponding to at least one of the one or more vacant parking locations can be provided. In certain implementations, such a notification can be provided in response to the request.

A trip can be determined to have ended when a driver parks a vehicle and a trip typically starts when a driver starts a parked vehicle. Accordingly, it can be advantageous to determined and/or maintain parking information related to vehicles (e.g., where vehicles are parked, how long they have been parked, their parking habits, when they vacate their parked position, etc.). Moreover, based on such information, technologies can be implemented whereby vehicles that seek to park in an approximate particular location can be provided with tools to assist them to do so more effectively/efficiently (e.g., faster, with less stress, cheaper, with better alignment between parking rules/regulations and their needs, etc.).

For example, in certain implementations, information related to public parking regulations can be obtained/referenced, such as from a database (built, for example, via crowd-sourcing). Accordingly, upon determining/detecting a ‘trip-end’ (i.e., the end of a trip, such as in the manner described herein) at/in relation to a mobile device, it can also be determined that a vehicle may have parked in that location. Such determination(s) can be computed with even greater accuracy, for example, based on a determination that the device with respect to which such determinations are made has also been determined to be operated by a user identified as a driver. By way of further example, when a mobile device determines/detects a ‘trip-start’ (i.e., the start of a trip, such as in the manner described herein) it can also be determined that a vehicle that was parked in that location is likely to have vacated a parking spot.

In one implementation, users that are determined to be leaving their parking location (e.g., as determined, for example, through the use of one or more trip start/end determination techniques, such as those described herein, and/or through the use of a parking payment application such as Pango) can be offered a reward (e.g., a parking discount, cash, credit for future parking, credit or discount from a 3^(rd) party, etc.) to remain in their current location for a some period of time, until a certain other vehicle can arrives in order to allow the parking spot to be ‘handed off’ or transferred from one user to the other. Moreover, in certain implementations, users that are looking for parking spaces can be offered the opportunity to receive (or reserve) a parking space near their desired location in return for providing a payment (e.g., in-app, credit card, e-wallet, etc.).

It can be appreciated that such technologies can be configured such that the cost (e.g., to the ‘new’ parker) and the payment (e.g., to the current parker) can be static or dynamic (e.g., based on time of day, day of week, day in year, location, number of currently parked users, parking habits of users, etc.).

In one implementation the participation of a user in such a system and/or the payments and costs thereto can be governed by the user's reputation, as can be determined based on the user's previous transactions.

It should also be noted that any or all instructions and/or notifications referenced herein can be delivered audibly and/or hapticly and/or visually.

Moreover, any/all of the referenced navigation applications and the improvements described herein can be implemented client-side (e.g., on a device such as a mobile device, on an in-vehicle device, on another type of device, etc.) and/or server-side (i.e., remotely) and/or in a combination of the two.

FIG. 41 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both. At 4105 one or more restrictions can be employed, such as in relation to a user device. In certain implementations, the one or more restrictions can include a restriction of one or more messaging services, such as in relation to the user device. At 4110, a message associated with a restriction override notification can be received. At 4115, it can be determined that the message originated from one or more designated sources. At 4120, an instruction can be provided, such as to perform one or more actions. At 4125 the message can be provided, such as in relation to the user device. In certain implementations, the message can be provided concurrent with an employment of the one or more restrictions. In certain implementations, the referenced message can be provided in relation to the user device, such as based on a determination that the one or more instructions have been performed.

In another embodiment, a third party can ‘page’ a vehicle driver through the driver's mobile device. Upon receiving such a ‘page,’ the device can signal to the driver (e.g., using audio, visual and/or haptic means) that there is an emergency or other such occurrence that the driver must address (in certain implementations by first stopping or slowing down the vehicle). Such techniques can be useful in scenarios where a device operated by a user determined to be likely to be a driver of a vehicle is put into a restricted mode so as to prevent distraction (e.g., otherwise preventing calls, texts, etc.), because such a ‘page’ can provide a relatively low distraction manner in which to alert the driver that they are urgently needed.

It should be noted that such techniques can also be implemented with respect to devices that are in other forms of “do not disturb” modes, whether they are passenger devices or not even within a vehicle.

In one implementation, such techniques can be employed whereby a party wishing to urgently contact a device user can be provided with a message from the user's device indicating that the device user is currently driving and cannot safely communicate. The party can also be notified as to how to ‘page’ the user in urgent situations. Such a notification can be provided, for example by/in relation to the user's device (e.g., via a voice message and/or a text message indicating, for example that “I am driving right now and cannot take your call, if you need my attention urgently, please [take a certain action]”), and/or via a third party or object (e.g., as provided by the user's company, the user's spouse, a website containing such information, the user's business card, etc.).

Examples of action(s) to be taken by the party wishing to ‘page’ the device user include but are not limited to: (i) calling a specified telephone number, (ii) providing a specified code in a voicemail or IVR system (either on the device or remotely), (iii) texting to a special number or emailing to a special address or posting to a certain URL/IP address, and/or (iv) texting/e-mailing/posting a special message or a message containing a special code to the user's device. Such techniques can signal a ‘page’ to the device directly (e.g., via a text message to the device with a short message such as “page”), and/or indirectly, such as by causing a ‘page’ to be communicated or signaled to the device (e.g., the party inputs the “page” code on the user's company voice mail menu (e.g., in response to a prompt indicating that “to reach me urgently hit 4”, which, in some implementations, may be made available only based on a determination that the user is driving) and, in response, the voice mail program sends a pre-defined signal to the user's device). It should be understood that the referenced ‘page’ signal(s) can be sent/transmitted in various ways, e.g., via voice, data, RF, etc.

Upon receipt of the referenced ‘page’ signal, the driver's device can be configured to provide one or more alerts to the driver, such as those that indicated that someone is urgently seeking them. Such alerts may be provided in any of a number of ways, such as, visually (e.g., by causing the device to turn on and have the screen blink red), via audio (e.g., by playing an audio file saying “someone is trying to contact you urgently” with or without the name of such person, if available) and/or haptically (e.g., by providing a special haptic/vibration pattern to indicate a ‘page’).

In certain implementations the referenced paging feature can be configured to restrict those that can page a device (e.g., only contacts determined to be stored at/in relation to the device), so as to minimize distraction/potential harassment.

In addition, in various implementations one or more of the various functionalities and features described herein can be provided as options which the user can choose to enable or disabled as desired.

Moreover, in certain implementations the device and/or one or more applications executing thereon can be configured to prevent uninstallation of one or more applications, such as of one or more applications that enable one or more aspects of the various functionalities described herein. For example, in one implementation, a first application/module can monitor the ongoing execution of a second application/module. Upon determining that the second application is no longer executing, the first application can initiate the reexecution/reinstallation of the second application. Moreover, in certain implementations a device can be polled (e.g., remotely) to identify applications that are running/installed on the device. Upon identifying that a particular application is not installed/running, such an application can be installed/initiated.

Moreover, in certain implementations one or more of the various technologies described herein can be implemented in scenarios where identifying an existence of/interaction with a human user (as opposed to a computer/non-human user) can be advantageous). For example, in scenarios, such as for event ticket purchases, where vendors wish to ensure that the purchaser of such items (e.g., tickets) are human users (and not computer ‘bots’ or robots programmed to perform such transactions), one or more of the various techniques described herein can be implemented in conjunction with such a transaction, in order to determine that the purchaser is likely to be a human user (by virtue of various sensor-based determinations, such as those originating at a mobile device, such as is described herein).

It can be appreciated that a tension exists between whether advertiser should pay for ‘leads’ (e.g., using a cost per click model) or ‘acquisitions’ (e.g., using a cost per action model). Accordingly, it can be advantageous to provide techniques/technologies that are operative to increase the likelihood that award/promotional points/credits that are converted into a discount coupon/voucher actually result in a sale. In doing so, companies that provide such discount coupons can be paid/compensated more based upon the issuance of the coupon than is currently prevalent in existing systems/frameworks, avoiding the necessity of receiving subsequent reports from the coupon honoror in order to be paid/compensated. To do this, the time for which such a coupon is valid can be limited (a “time bomb”), and user to which the coupon is issued can be required to be within a certain location (e.g., within a certain store) in order to make the conversion that generates the coupon. For example, in order to convert United ‘frequent flyer’ miles into a coupon for a 20% discount at Marriott (for which United gets paid some amount by Marriott), Marriott may wish to require that, in order to pay United for the mere conversion of the miles into a coupon (and not through Marriott's subsequent definitive confirmation of such a booking), the customer must make the conversion of the miles into the coupon within Marriott's hotel grounds (as can be determined via GPS, WiFi, cell-towers, BT, camera, NFC, and/or any other such determination technique, such as is described herein) and/or the validity of the coupon can also be time-limited (e.g., only valid for redemption within the next 15 minutes).

Moreover, in certain implementations vehicle recognition equipment (e.g., cameras) can be oriented in various locations, such as those where driving is inappropriate/illegal (e.g., oriented in locations with respect to which occurrences such as drivers driving through a gas station in order to gain a few extra minutes during traffic, cutting in line at a highway exit, etc., can be observed). Using such camera(s), one or more vehicles that perform such inappropriate/illegal acts can be identified (e.g., using license plate recognition technologies, as are known to those of ordinary skill in the art). Upon identifying such vehicles (and/or users associated with such vehicles, such as the registered owners/drivers of such vehicles), the identity of such vehicles (and/or users/drivers) can be processed against one or more data items, data sets, databases, etc., such as those referenced herein, in order to determine whether such vehicles (and/or users/drivers) have higher rate of crash or insurance claims than the population at large (or the population having one or more similar/comparable characteristics, e.g., the same/comparable type of car, and/or in the same geographic area, etc.). Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced data and/or determinations can be maintained in a database and insurance policies of drivers determined to be exhibiting (or not exhibiting) the same or comparable behaviors can be priced accordingly (e.g., higher or lower).

In certain implementations, various techniques described herein can be employed in order to protect users against the risks of using their mobile device(s) while such users are in motion. For example, in industrial settings (e.g., on manufacturing floors), where employees walking or operating industrial equipment (e.g., a forklift, a ladder, etc.), while they are distracted by their mobile device, can cause great damage to people and property, and on sidewalks, in stairwells, and on escalators, where pedestrians walking while distracted by their mobile device can cause injury and economic loss to themselves and others.

For example, inputs originating from one or more sensors of a mobile device can be processed to differentiate (i) movements that are indicative of (a) a user's full body being in motion, relative to earth; or (b) a user's needing to be in full body motion relative to earth in order to remain in contact with and/or in substantially the same proximity to the device, and regardless of whether the energy for such movement is provided by the user, like walking, swimming or provided by an external source, like riding an elevator, escalator or forklift; from (ii) no movement; from (iii) movements that are indicative of only part of a user's body being in motion, relative to the earth (e.g., holding phone while bending, standing, waving arms). Upon identifying/determining a pattern indicative of full body movement among such inputs, one or more restrictions can be employed at/in relation to the device, e.g., until such time as a pattern that is no longer indicative of full body movement (or, in some cases, of any body movement) can be identified/determined at/in relation to the device.

Such techniques can be advantageous, for example, in order to allow a device operator to interact with a mobile device while standing in a largely fixed location (but in which the device may not be completely motionless relative to earth), but to restrict the device (such that the operator prevented/precluded from so interacting with the device in one or more ways) when walking or operating a forklift. In another example, a device can be configured to enable an employee to place a call on the device while standing near a stairwell, but such a device can be restricted such that the employee cannot place the same call once she can be determined to be engaged in the more dangerous act of walking the stairs.

It should be noted that full body movement can be detected/determined/identified, for example, by analyzing inputs originating at the accelerometer and/or gyroscope of the device to detect a pattern indicative of walking (e.g., steps). From the time that such movement is determined to have started, e.g., until some time after it is determined to have ended, one or more restrictions (e.g., a lockscreen is shown, phone calls are not allowed in our out, etc.) can be employed at/in relation to the device.

Full body movement can also be determined, for example, by processing successive visual captures taken by one or more cameras of the device in order to identify/determine the identity, position, angles, speed, distance and/or acceleration of objects (or parts thereof) or the background (e.g., the ceiling, the floor, the walls, the sky) in successive visual captures from the device change in such a way that are more likely to be caused by full body movement that partial device movement.

Full body movement can also be determined, for example, using a pressure sensor of the device to detect changes in elevation (which can be indicative, for example, of the user riding on an escalator, elevator, ladder or of shelf-picker use). From the time that such movement is determined to have started, until some time after as it is determined to have ended, one or more restrictions can be employed (e.g., a lockscreen can be shown, phone calls are not allowed in our out, etc.) at/in relation to the device.

Full body movement can also be determined, for example, by monitoring the identify (and/or changes thereto) of the beacons (e.g. sound, RF, optical) and/or strength of the signals (and/or changes thereto) of the beacons, that the device can perceive, for patterns indicative of full body movement (e.g., sufficiently large changes to signal strength from one or more beacons). This may particularly useful in locations where such infrastructure has already been deployed like a manufacturing floor, e.g., for asset tracking.

It should be noted that certain techniques described herein can be more useful when applied (i) only within certain geographic areas (e.g., on a manufacturing floor, in a stairwell, on a sidewalk), the presence of a device in such areas (e.g., geo-fences which may be static or dynamic) can be detected using one or more sensors and/or radios on the device (WiFi, cellular, GPS, BT, cameras, microphones); or (ii) within certain date/time windows (e.g., allowing walking on manufacturing floor using a mobile device after manufacturing hours).

It should be noted that, in certain implementations, the various determinations described herein may be directed towards determining whether any activity is being performed with respect to which the device (and/or the user) is likely to be moving beyond a range in which it can be moved by the user moving only his arms and/or standing/bending (e.g., in contrast to, for example, determining the type of activity being performed). Such determination can reflect, for example, that movement of the device is outside an envelope that defines the positions and orientations that a device can be in without its user's feet changing their 3D position (and, in some cases, only if such activity is performed within a certain location).

It should be understood that the movement detection techniques described herein, also include scenarios in which the device user may be moving with or near her device, but is not in direct physical contact with such device (e.g., the device may be resting on, docked to, mounted on a cart that the user is operating, pushing or walking next to).

It should be noted that, it certain situations, the ability to differentiate between patterns indicative of partial-body movements, full-body movements and no movements, can also be utilized in additional contexts and settings. For example, one or more restrictions can be employed at/in relation to a device until some time after (and then, optionally, for as long as) a pattern indicative of full body movement (or even of partial body movement) can be determined. For example, mobile device that is used to monitor processes on an industrial machine can be motion activated (e.g., to activate the screen, CPU, etc.), as there may otherwise be no need to activate such a device until such time as the machine begins working. It should be understood that the device can determined that the machine has started/stopped working, for example, via motion sensors in contact with the machine, e.g., via the sound of the machine or a signal emitted when the machine starts/ends and/or while it is in operation. By way of further example, operation of a device can be allowed while walking on the floor, but prevented/restricted while the operator is very close to a machine (e.g., and must concentrate on operation of the machine).

It should be noted that, in certain implementations, various techniques such as those described herein which may reduce battery usage can be employed in conjunction with the techniques described herein.

Described herein in various implementations are techniques and technologies that enable the collection of data and the computation of various determinations with respect to the experiences (e.g., mood, activity level, engagement level, other behaviors, etc.) of users/people (e.g., patrons, workers, viewers, etc.) at a venue (e.g., club, party, concert, festival, park, town square, show, movie, sporting event, restaurant, including sub-venues (e.g., different parties on different floors of a club, different sections in a concert), and including virtual venues (e.g., those users watching a live event via the Internet) etc.), such as based on various inputs originating at sensors incorporated within one or more of their mobile devices (e.g., phones, wearable devices, implantable devices, etc.) and/or one or originating at the sensors of one or more external devices (e.g., a camera, a microphone) in the vicinity. As described herein, in certain implementations various crowd-sourcing techniques (with passive and/or active components) can be utilized in collecting/receiving such data/inputs and/or computing such determinations.

For example, input(s) originating from various sensors of the mobile devices of those present in a particular venue can be processed in order to determine various characteristics of the crowd's experience (e.g., at a given point in time, over the course of an evening, etc.). In certain implementations, aspects of such an experience can be determined, for example, based on the frequency, duration, intensity, happiness level and/or continuousness of dancing (as can be determined, for example, based on one or more patterns/sensor profiles, such as patterns exhibited by inputs originating from an accelerometer and/or gyroscope or physiological/biometric monitoring using device sensors like heart rate monitoring, blood pressure, brain activity monitoring using techniques and sensors like EEG, fMRI, PET, etc., that correspond to dancing) (as opposed to standing, sitting, or performing various actions that may be determined or identified to be indicative of boredom or disengagement with the entertainment at the venue, e.g., playing a video game, etc.). In doing so, real-time and/or retrospective feedback can be generated and/or provided, reflecting, for example, which songs, settings, moods, etc., were most popular and which weren't, etc.

Additionally, in certain implementations such crowd experience data can be compared, for example, over/across multiple venues. In certain implementations, such a comparison can be performed in real-time and/or quasi real-time (based on which it can be determined, for example, at which venue are the individuals dancing most actively at a given time, during a given night, etc.), over time (e.g., how is the mood of patrons in Studio 45 this Friday night as compared to its average Friday night performance?) and/or with respect to an individual (e.g., how actively am I dancing tonight as compared to others? Compared to others in the venue that I'm in? Others my age? Relative to my usual activity level?, etc.).

In one implementation, a disk jockey (‘DJ’) in a nightclub or a performer at a concert/performance can utilize inputs originating from and/or reflecting the venue's conditions (such as can be collectively perceived by the sensors from patrons' mobile devices and/or external devices) to receive and/or determine real-time and/or near real-time feedback from the current crowd. In doing so, the DJ, performer, etc. can better understand how various aspects of a particular song (or songs) or performance selection (or selections) is being received by the crowd (e.g., with respect to the genre, songs, tempo, volume, mixes, transitions, etc.), and the DJ/performer can take one or more actions (e.g., maintaining the same type of music/performance, making changes to the music/performance, etc. and/or can learn from the feedback to improve future engagements). Additionally, in certain implementations various suggestions and/or recommendations can be generated (e.g., based on the referenced feedback) and/or provided to the DJ/performer.

In another implementation, the conditions of different venues can be determined and made available to users (e.g., via a mobile device app, a web application, etc.), such as in order to assist them in selecting which venue to visit (e.g., which clubs in my locale are “hot” tonight? which are playing the type of music that I like? at which are users like me (e.g., those that enjoy similar music, are the same age) having a better time at tonight ?) or to socialize their experience (e.g., to post information about their venue choices, experiences and “performance”).

In another implementation, a venue can use information regarding the conditions in it to (i) better identify/target the people invites and/or the places it advertises; (ii) make better decisions when booking talent (e.g., musicians/DJs), such as based on the characteristics identified with respect to the previous performances of different artists and choosing and/or pricing future artists more intelligently; and/or (iii) better target the partygoers/dancers for promotions in each venue.

FIG. 70 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both.

At 7010, one or more inputs can be received. In certain implementations, such inputs can be received in relation to one or more environmental aspects. Examples of such environmental aspects include but are not limited to: one or more content items and/or one or more demographic profiles.

At 7020, the one or more inputs can be processed. In doing so, one or more user experience characteristics can be computed. In certain implementations, such user experience characteristics can be computed with respect to and/or based on the one or more environmental aspects.

At 7030, one or more recommendations can be provided. In certain implementations, such recommendations can be provided based on/in response to the one or more user experience characteristics. In certain implementations, such recommendations can include but are not limited to: one or more recommendations with respect to the one or more content items and/or one or more recommendations with respect to the one or more demographic profiles.

By way of further illustration, in certain implementations the time to gain entrance to a location (e.g., a club, the ticket counter at a concert, the teller at the passport office, etc.) can be determined based on information received from various sensors on the mobile devices of people waiting on line. For example, the devices of users that are in sufficiently close proximity to a location can have their waiting time monitored passively (e.g., using techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art, such as using device sensors such as GPS, WiFi, cellular, Bluetooth, microphones, physiological/biometric monitoring using device sensors like heart rate monitoring, blood pressure, brain activity monitoring using techniques and sensors like EEG, fMRI, PET, etc.) and/or actively (e.g., by having the user provide (and then possibly confirming) that they have entered/exited the line or the location).

FIG. 75 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both.

At 7510, one or more inputs can be received, such as from one or more devices. Examples of such inputs include but are not limited to motion inputs (e.g., dancing) and/or audio inputs (e.g., singing out loud).

At 7520, the one or more inputs can be correlated, such as with one or more first acoustic elements that are perceptible to the one or more devices. Examples of such first acoustic elements include but are not limited to one or more first songs. In doing so, an association can be drawn between the inputs (e.g., corresponding to dancing and/or signing) and one or more songs that are playing concurrently.

At 7530, one or more suggestions can be generated. In certain implementations, such suggestions can be generated based on a degree of correlation between the one or more inputs and the one or more first acoustic elements. Moreover, in certain implementations such one or more suggestions can be generated with respect to one or more second acoustic elements. Examples of such second acoustic elements include but are not limited to other songs that are of the same genre as the first song. For example, upon determining (e.g., based on the referenced singing/dancing) that a user enjoys a first song, one or more other songs that are related/associated (e.g., by the same artist, of the same genre, etc.) can be identified and/or suggested to the user.

By way of further illustration, in certain implementations, characteristics of peoples' enjoyment of music (as can be expressed and/or identified, for example, based on motion, singing out loud), as can be perceived by sensors of mobile devices (e.g., motion sensors, microphones, cameras, proximity and light sensors, various RF radios, user content (e.g., camera usage, communications usage, application usage), physiological/biometric sensors (e.g., heart rate monitors, breath rate, GSV) and brain activity sensors), that are near to, in contact with, worn by or inside them can be correlated with different types of music (e.g., of a particular genre, specific songs as can be determined by technologies such as Shazam), to determine the musical preferences of a user or users. Such preferences can then be used by such people themselves (e.g., to discover or rediscover new songs and artists, to create more enjoyable music playlists for different situations, to find and meet people who have certain preferences for music or dance (e.g., highly similar, exactly opposite, substantially uncorrelated, etc.) and/or by 3^(rd) parties (e.g., DJs in a club who can refine/improve/be more confident with their selection of music when they better know the preferences of their crowd or clubs can target advertising to people who are more likely to enjoy the type of music they are planning to play on a particular night/time).

FIG. 71 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both.

At 7110, one or more inputs can be received. In certain implementations, such inputs can be received from one or more devices, such as devices that are present in one or more locations. Moreover, in certain implementations such inputs can correspond to one or more environmental aspects of the one or more locations.

At 7120, the one or more inputs can be processed. In doing so, one or more characteristics of the one or more locations can be determined.

At 7130, one or more actions can be initiated. In certain implementations, such actions can be initiated with respect to the one or more locations. Moreover, in certain implementations such actions can be initiated based on the one or more characteristics.

FIG. 72 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both.

At 7210, one or more inputs can be received. In certain implementations, such inputs can be received from one or more (and/or from a plurality of) devices, such as devices that are present in a particular location. Moreover, in certain implementations, each of the one or more inputs can include demographic information associated with one (or more) of the one or more devices. For example, the age of users within a particular space or venue can be received.

At 7220, the one or more inputs can be processed. In doing so, one or more actions can be selected. Moreover, in certain implementations such actions can be selected based on the demographic information. Additionally, in certain implementations the one or more inputs can be processed to select content associated with the demographic information. For example, one or more advertisements (which are to be deployed on a billboard in a place where the referenced users are present) can be selected.

At 7230, at least one of the one or more actions can be initiated. In certain implementations, such actions can be initiated in relation to the location. For example, content (such as that selected at 7220—e.g., the referenced advertisements that are selected) can be provided with respect to the location.

By way of further illustration, in certain implementations the demographic characteristics of a venue or area, aggregated across multiple users (e.g., crowd-sourced) can be used to determine an action taken that may affect multiple users. For example, based upon the demographic characteristics in Times Square each minute, the advertisement that is to be shown on one or more large billboards can be selected in some way (e.g., through a bidding process). Such demographic characteristics can be acquired in real-time and/or based on historical information. Or, for example, based upon the demographic and activity characteristics in Times Square where an advertiser wants the real-time demographic, but only for those people who are currently walking.

In certain implementations, a database of information relating to the various devices can be maintained and/or accessed by/via 3rd parties (e.g., Facebook), such as in order to estimate additional venue characteristics and/or patron characteristics and changes thereto, such as in real-time/near real-time. For example, (i) the age/gender distribution of the patrons and other demographic info (e.g., marital status, education level, income level, home location) in an venue and/or in a particular location; (ii) the population density of an venue (is the club crowded? is the restaurant seating more than its allowed to pursuant to fire codes?); average visit time (longer time at some venues might be considered a good sign (e.g., a club), while at other venues a bad sign (e.g., a passport office), etc.

FIG. 73 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both.

At 7310, one or more inputs can be received. In certain implementations, such inputs can be received from one or more devices, such as devices that are present in a location. Moreover, in certain implementations, each of the one or more inputs can include demographic information, such as demographic information associated with one of the one or more devices. For example, demographic information can be received with respect to users that are present at/in proximity to a nightclub or a restaurant.

At 7320, the one or more inputs can be processed. In doing so, a demographic profile can be computed, such as with respect to the location. In certain implementations, such a demographic profile can be computed, based on the demographic information. For example, an aggregate demographic profile (e.g., an average age) can be computed.

At 7330, one or more recommendations can be provided. In certain implementations, such recommendations can be provided with respect to the location. Moreover, in certain implementations such recommendations can be provided based on the demographic profile. For example, various menu changes can be generated and provided to a restaurant owner in order to appeal to the demographic currently present (e.g., ‘happy hour specials,’ etc.).

By way of further illustration, in certain implementations the aggregate demographic data at different locations over time can be compared. In doing so, it can be determined how a current demographic at a venue compares to demographics at this venue over time (e.g., a particular venue may be at an all-time high for young male patrons) and/or in comparison to other venues (e.g., while we′re attracting mostly women, aged 30-39, we have far fewer such women than other businesses like us). In doing so, various suggestions can be generated and/or provided. For example, a suggestion can be generated for a restaurant owner in order to optimize his fare/pricing for the demographic that frequents his venue. By way of further example, a 28 year old man wants to go clubbing to meet women and a suggestion can be generated and/or provided indicating in which club the current real time demographic (e.g., age, gender) best suites his wishes.

FIG. 74 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both.

At 7410, one or more inputs can be received. In certain implementations, each of the one or more inputs can be received with respect to a presentation of a first content item (e.g., a first segment or section of a content item such as a movie). For example, the referenced inputs can be received from respective mobile devices, each of which can be associated with a viewer of a movie. Examples of such inputs include but are not limited to biometric inputs (e.g., heart rate, etc.) and brain activity monitoring (using techniques and sensors like EEG, fMRI, PET, etc.).

At 7420, the one or more inputs can be processed. In doing so, feedback can be determined, such as with respect to the first content item. For example, as described herein, based on the received inputs it can be determined how the referenced users/viewers reacted to the first content item (e.g., whether they did/didn't enjoy the segment and/or to what degree, whether they were frightened by it and/or to what degree, etc.).

At 7430, a second content item can be selected, such as for presentation. In certain implementations, such a second content item can be selected for presentation based on the feedback. For example, as described herein, having determined that a first segment of a movie frightened a substantial number of the users/viewers, a subsequent segment (which may be relatively less frightening) can be selected and/or provided. By way of further example, as describe herein, having determined that one segment of a movie was particularly enjoyable to a substantial number of the users/viewers, a comparable segment can be selected and/or subsequently provided.

By way of further illustration, in certain implementations a content creator such as a movie producer can test various candidate scenes on different groups to see how the scenes are received (and/or how the reactions to such scenes correspond to various audience demographics). Using this information, the movie producer can choose which of the candidate scenes to include in the movie, can choose if/how to customize movies released in different locations (e.g., different countries), such as by including (or excluding) different scenes based on the feedback received from users associated with the demographic of such location.

In another implementation, a movie producer can create a movie which may unfold differently based upon various predictions and/or determinations as to how a particular audience will react (e.g. by customizing the movie in a manner that will be best received by the audience). For example, audience reaction to one or more scenes of a movie up until the current time in the movie (e.g., as determined based on inputs received from mobile devices and/or external devices (e.g. in-seat devices, in-floor devices) associated with viewers of the movie) can be used to determine which of one or more scenes is to be shown (or not shown) in the remainder of the movie. For example, if the audience in a particular theatre had abnormally high spikes in heart rate and blood pressure during the first scary scene of the movie, the remainder of the movie can be adjusted such that a “less scary” version is shown (or perhaps the reverse if the intention is to deliver a scary user experience). In another example, if a sufficiently significant portion of a viewing audience demonstrates aggregate brain activity indicating greater than usual positive (or negative) feelings of a particular kind (e.g., happiness, satisfaction) when a beautiful nature scene is shown, the remainder of the movie can be adjusted/modified or “tilted” (e.g., in real-time) towards including (or excluding) additional nature-based scenes (e.g., where available and appropriate).

In another example, the demographic composition of a viewing audience can be used (e.g., in conjunction with the audience reaction or alone) to determine which of one or more scenes is to be shown (or not shown) in (the remainder of) the movie. For example, for a younger demographic the movie might contain a scarier scene, but, if, despite being applicable for the audience demographic, the audience reaction demonstrates an undesirable effect (e.g., stress beyond normal for the demographic, etc.), a less scary form of the next available scene (if available) can be chosen.

In certain implementations, inputs originating from various motion sensors (e.g., on mobile devices) can be processed in order to determine/identify when and/or how much viewers ‘jump’ at scary scenes, laugh at jokes, etc. (e.g., during a TV show or movie). Such determinations (e.g., with respect to individual users) can also be combined/aggregated, based on which the collective user experience with respect to various scenes and/or cinematic techniques can be further determined.

Moreover, in certain implementations various alternative pieces of content (e.g., scenes, endings, etc.) can be tested, and the received/determined feedback (such as is described herein) can be utilized to identify, for example, which scenes generate more positive (or a desired—e.g., fright in the case of a horror movie) reaction(s)/response(s). Additionally, as noted, works (e.g., movies, etc.) that unfold differently based upon the audience mood/reactions can be created and/or presented (e.g., custom, audience-optimized performances).

FIG. 76 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both.

At 7610, one or more inputs can be received. In certain implementations, such inputs can be received from one or more devices, such as devices present in one or more locations. Moreover, in certain implementations such inputs can correspond to one or more environmental aspects of the one or more locations, such as is described herein.

At 7620, the one or more inputs can be processed. In doing so, one or more characteristics of the one or more locations can be determined, such as is described herein.

At 7630, one or more recommendations can be provided. In certain implementations, such recommendations can be provided, based on the one or more characteristics. Moreover, in certain implementations the one or more recommendations can be provided with respect to the one or more locations, such as is described herein.

In certain implementations, it should be understood that the referenced inputs can include inputs from sensors such as cigarette-smoke sensors, other air quality sensors like CO2, CO, temperature, etc. (based on which various aspects such as environmental factors can be determined, such as are referenced herein).

It should be understood that the techniques and technologies described herein can be expanded/improved to provide data and services about other forms of entertainment such as stand-up comedians and sporting events (e.g., measuring the laugher level or cheering level perceived by the devices microphones and analyzed using techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art), movies (e.g., measuring how engrossed the user is by the lack of movement of the motion sensors on a mobile device), music (e.g., a tool to help artists get passive real-time feedback from their audience and recommend ways to improve performance), advertising (e.g., delivering “mood-based” advertisements, etc.). Additionally, it should be understood that the referenced recommendation(s) can be made passively (e.g., posting to a website) or actively (e.g., vibrating a user's device).

A geo-fence (as can be employed or implemented using any number of technologies or techniques, including but not limited to WiFi, cellular, GPS, Bluetooth, etc., as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art), when used in certain ways can be an accurate and power efficient technique for monitoring the movement of a mobile device. Using geo-fences in a manner that allows for a low-power consumption method for monitoring device movement can be advantageous in systems that selectively restrict usage of a device determined to be associated with or operated by a driver, such as while in a moving vehicle. In order to monitor/determine when a device begins to move (as opposed to when, for example, one passes the grocery store on the way home), a geo-fence can be ‘erected’ or defined around/with respect to the location of a device and can be configured to provide notifications (e.g., to various interested parties such as the ‘erector’ of the geo-fence) and/or initiate various other actions, such as when a device is determined to have moved out of a geo-fenced area (i.e., an exit geo-fence). However, as described herein, in lieu of/in addition to monitoring a device's movement via a single geo-fence (e.g., around its current location), a coordinated arrangement/system of multiple geo-fences can be employed, through the use of which improved determinations can be made, such as determining whether a device has begun a trip and/or is still moving (e.g., within a vehicle). For example, as a device moves, it can exit or enter different areas in the system of geo-fences (e.g., different geo-fences that are adjacent or otherwise proximate to one another), based upon which one or more notifications can be provided and/or one or more actions initiated (e.g., using processes on the device or external to the device) in a manner that is relatively faster, more efficient, and/or more accurate than can be achieved using a single geo-fence and, in many cases, more power efficient than using GPS alone. For example, it can be appreciated that, under certain circumstances, entry geo-fences may react to the presence/entry of a device more quickly than exit geo-fences will react to the non-presence/exit of the device (e.g., geo-fencing systems that rely on WiFi as a first technique or interface for determining entry/exit, such as for reasons of power efficiency, may cause an entry geo-fence to react nearly immediately upon the detection of one or more WiFi access points in a list of access points whereas an exit geo-fence may react more slowly, by requiring confirmation over time that no WiFi access points within a possibly different list of access points are present (e.g., to reduce false positive geo-fence breaks/exits by differentiating between the case of a true geo-fence break from the case where the device hasn't broken a fence, but temporarily doesn't receive signals from one or more WiFi access points (e.g., the WiFi access point was turned off, the signal is blocked by a wall)) and/or some form of affirmative or positive confirmation).

FIG. 77 is a flow diagram of a routine that illustrates aspects of one or more methods, such as those described in relation to one or more embodiments described herein. In various implementations, one or more aspects of the referenced method can be performed by one or more hardware devices/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), one or more software elements/components (such as those depicted in FIG. 1), and/or a combination of both.

At 7710 it can be determined that a device exited one or more first locations (and/or regions and/or areas) and/or entered one or more second locations (and/or regions and/or areas). In certain implementations, such first and second locations can be defined or otherwise arranged such that the one or more second locations surround (whether partially—e.g., from one or more sides—or entirely) the first location(s). Moreover, in certain implementations the referenced second locations can be configured or otherwise arranged such that they do and/or do not overlap with one another.

Additionally, in certain implementations the referenced first locations and/or second locations can be defined by a perceptibility of another device (e.g., an access point, cell tower, etc.). Moreover, in certain implementations the size (e.g., the radius, area, length, other dimensions, etc.) of the first locations and/or the second locations can be determined based on a metric such as a density metric. Examples of such a metric/density metric include but are not limited to: a density of one or more devices, a population density, a traffic light density, one or more speed limits, a tree density, and/or a quantity of vehicles owned per capita.

By way of further illustration, in order to improve the responsiveness of a geo-fencing system, such as with respect to movement (e.g., in order to achieve higher accuracy and/or lower latency) an arrangement/collection of multiple exit and/or entry geo-fences (which, in certain implementations may and may not overlap with one another) can be established or otherwise defined. Doing so can be advantageous, for example, in order to provide enhanced protection to drivers and/or passengers within a vehicle as well as other road users against the perils of distracted driving (e.g., by enabling quick/accurate determinations as to whether a vehicle is traveling, has departed a location, etc.). In one implementation, a system or arrangement of eight (8) circular entry geo-fences (e.g., of equal radius) and one circular exit geo-fence can be defined or ‘erected,’ whereby (i) the entry geo-fences, together, substantially circumscribe the exit geo-fence, (ii) the exit geo-fence is of smaller radius than the others (e.g., in order to reduce the latency of detecting an exit) and/or the entry geo-fences are of larger radii (e.g., to increase the likelihood that the device will be perceptible within such geo-fences before exiting them), (iii) the referenced geo-fences (entry and exit geo-fences) are arranged/defined such that they do not overlap with one another (in other implementations some or all of them may overlap one another), and/or (iv) the center of the exit geo-fence can be defined based on a current location of the device (e.g., a current estimated location). One exemplary scenario of an arrangement of geo-fences is depicted in FIG. 78.

Moreover, in certain implementations a system/arrangement of multiple geo-fences can be employed in lieu of (or in addition to) a single geo-fence. In doing so, a smaller/finer/more precise geo-fence system (than may otherwise be possible using a single geo-fence) can be employed. By way of illustration, in certain implementations an arrangement/system of four circular exit geo-fences (e.g., having equal radii) can be defined or ‘erected’ such that each geo-fence overlaps each of the others, such as is shown in FIG. 79. In doing so, the geo-fencing system can be more responsive to movement (e.g., the geo-fence will break after a smaller distance movement and/or shorter time), than in scenarios in which the minimum size of a geo-fence is limited (e.g., by a device's operating system, hardware, industry standards, etc.).

It should be understood that while various illustrations of the referenced geo-fences pertain to circular geo-fences, various arrangements of such geo-fences, etc., in other implementations (i) the geo-fences may be other shapes (e.g., polygonal), (ii) the geo-fences may be arranged in different numbers and/or combinations of exit and entry geo-fences, (iii) two or more of the geo-fences may overlap one another, (iv) the radii of the geo-fences (or the dimensions of the geo-fences) may not be equal, and/or (v) some or all of the geo-fences can be ‘entry’ geo-fences, ‘exit’ geo-fences, and/or a combination thereof.

At 7720, one or more actions can be initiated, such as with respect to the device (e.g., the device determined to have exited/entered the first/second location(s). By way of illustration, one or more restrictions (e.g., restrictions of the device) can be modified at/in relation to the device. Moreover, in certain implementations such actions can be initiated based on a determination that the device has exited one or more of the first location(s) and/or entered one or more of the second location(s).

By way of illustration, in certain implementations the size(s) of the referenced geo-fences can be selected/identified/determined or otherwise defined based on a metric that reflects the density of various devices such as wireless transmitters (e.g., WiFi, cellular, GPS, Bluetooth, etc.) and/or one or more other metrics (e.g., population density, traffic light density, speed limits, tree density, vehicles owned per capita per region, etc.). For example, with respect to an implementation of the described geofencing system/arrangement in a densely populated urban area (e.g., New York City), the size of one or more (or all) of the geo-fences in the system/arrangement can be smaller (thereby reducing latency). It can be appreciated that despite utilizing relatively smaller geo-fences in such a densely populated area (e.g., as compared to a less densely populated are) is not likely to substantially reduce the ability to determine that a vehicle is passing through (e.g., entering/exiting) the various geo-fences, since vehicles traveling in such an urban area are likely to travel at relatively slower speeds (at which it is relatively simpler (e.g., relatively slower sampling rates are required) to detect an entry/exit of the device from a particular geo-fence). With respect to a rural area, the size of one or more (or all) of the geo-fences in the system/arrangement can be relatively larger/increased. In doing so, the ability to determine that a vehicle is passing through (e.g., entering/exiting) the various geo-fences can be increased (e.g., relative to a fixed signal sampling rate), since vehicles traveling in such a rural area are likely to travel at relatively faster speeds (at which it may be relatively more difficult or power intensive (e.g., require a higher sampling rate) to detect an entry/exit of the device from a particular geo-fence).

It should be noted that U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/244,978, filed Sep. 26, 2011 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,290,480), International PCT Application No. PCT/US2011/052655, filed Sep. 21, 2011, International PCT Application No. PCT/US2012/030017, filed Mar. 21, 2012, International PCT Application No. PCT/182013/001582, Filed Jun. 21, 2013 (each assigned to the present applicant) may be relevant to various aspects described herein, and each of the referenced applications/patents is hereby incorporated by reference herein in their respective entireties.

At this juncture, it should be noted that although much of the foregoing description has been directed to systems and methods for determining user roles and/or devices usages within the context of vehicular travel, the systems and methods disclosed herein can be similarly deployed and/or implemented in scenarios, situations, and settings far beyond the referenced scenarios. It can be readily appreciated that the user-role determination system 100 can be effectively employed in practically any scenario where the determination and/or identification of a user or usage of a mobile device is of value, such as in the context of exercising or game playing. It should be further understood that any such implementation and/or deployment is within the scope of the systems and methods described herein.

It is to be understood that like numerals in the drawings represent like elements through the several figures, and that not all components and/or steps described and illustrated with reference to the figures are required for all embodiments or arrangements. It should also be understood that the embodiments and/or arrangements of the systems and methods disclosed herein can be incorporated as a software algorithm, application, program, module, or code residing in hardware, firmware and/or on a computer useable medium (including software modules and browser plug-ins) that can be executed in a processor of a computer system or a computing device to configure the processor and/or other elements to perform the functions and/or operations described below. It should be appreciated that according to at least one embodiment, one or more computer programs or applications that when executed perform methods of the present invention need not reside on a single computer or processor, but can be distributed in a modular fashion amongst a number of different computers or processors to implement various aspects of the systems and methods disclosed herein.

Thus, illustrative embodiments and arrangements of the present systems and methods provide a computer implemented method, computer system, and computer program product for selectively restricting a mobile device. The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments and arrangements. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams can represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising”, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

It should be noted that use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements.

Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

The subject matter described above is provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. Various modifications and changes can be made to the subject matter described herein without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving a navigation instruction in relation to a location; processing, by a processing device, the navigation instruction with respect to one or more prior navigation operations performed with respect to the location; based on a determination that the navigation instruction deviates from the one or more prior navigation operations, generating a notification; and providing the notification in relation to the location.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising processing the one or more prior navigation operations performed with respect to the location to determine a relative predominance of a particular navigation operation with respect to the location.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein processing the navigation instruction with respect to one or more prior navigation operations comprises processing the navigation instruction with respect to the particular navigation operation.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein providing the notification comprises providing the notification in relation to the location based on the relative predominance.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more prior navigation operations comprise one or more navigation operations associated with a user with respect to which the notification is provided.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more prior navigation operations comprise one or more navigation operations associated with one or more first users and wherein the notification is provided with respect to a second user.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the navigation instruction comprises a navigation instruction provided with respect to travel in a first direction and wherein the one or more prior navigation operations comprise one or more navigation operations performed with respect to travel in the first direction.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising processing the one or more navigation operations performed with respect to travel in the first direction to determine a relative predominance of a particular navigation operation with respect to travel in the first direction with respect to the location.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein processing the navigation instruction with respect to one or more prior navigation operations performed with respect to travel in the first direction comprises processing the navigation instruction with respect to the particular navigation operation.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein providing the notification comprises providing the notification in relation to the location based on the relative predominance.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the notification comprises at least one of (a) a notification not to perform, with respect to the location, an operation in accordance with the one or more prior navigation operations, or (b) a notification to perform the navigation instruction with respect to the location.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the notification comprises providing the notification via one or more interfaces.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the one or more interfaces comprise at least one of: a display interface, an audio interface, an illumination interface, or a haptic interface.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein providing the notification via one or more interfaces comprises: determining a degree to which the navigation instruction is relatively unlikely to be complied with; and selecting, based on the degree to which the navigation instruction is relatively unlikely to be complied with, at least one of the one or more interfaces at which to provide the notification.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the notification comprises providing the notification in a manner that is relatively more prominent than one or more notifications provided with respect to the one or more prior navigation operations.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein providing the notification comprises: determining a degree to which the navigation instruction is relatively unlikely to be complied with; and providing, based on the degree to which the navigation instruction is relatively unlikely to be complied with, the notification in a manner that is relatively more prominent than one or more other notifications provided with respect to the one or more prior navigation operations.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the notification comprises providing the notification in a manner that is at least one of (a) relatively louder, (b) relatively faster, (c) relatively brighter, (d) relatively stronger; (e) relatively longer, (f) relatively more redundant, (g) relatively more dynamic, (h) relatively bolder, or (i) relatively larger, than one or more notifications provided with respect to the one or more prior navigation operations.
 18. The method of claim 1, further comprising precluding the providing of a notification that corresponds to the one or more prior navigation operations.
 19. The method of claim 2, wherein providing the notification comprises precluding a providing of the notification in relation to the location based on the relative predominance.
 20. A system comprising: a memory; and a processing device, operatively coupled to the memory, to: receive a navigation instruction in relation to a location; process the navigation instruction with respect to one or more prior navigation operations performed with respect to the location; based on a determination that the navigation instruction deviates from the one or more prior navigation operations, generate a notification; process the one or more prior navigation operations performed with respect to the location to determine a relative predominance of a particular navigation operation with respect to the location; and provide the notification in relation to the location.
 21. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a processing device, cause the processing device to: receive a navigation instruction in relation to a location; process the navigation instruction with respect to one or more prior navigation operations performed with respect to the location; based on a determination that the navigation instruction deviates from the one or more prior navigation operations, generate a notification; process the one or more navigation operations performed with respect to travel in the first direction to determine a relative predominance of a particular navigation operation with respect to travel in the first direction with respect to the location; and provide the notification in relation to the location based on the relative predominance. 